Several new artists have joined I/ACT over the past 12 months. Featured here are images from Jo Chiapelli - a long time Troy resident and former Troy art instructor. Jo's work is in collections worldwide, and she has had numerous exhibits at the Troy Library. She has also won many Professional Art awards and "People's Choice" awards at the Michigan State Fair. Jo is also an active member in the South Oakland Art Association.
Troy's Bemis Elementary School receives more colorful wall decor courtesy of I/ACT artists Diana Jellinek and Linda Shears who designed and painted this mural called "Say It
With a Smile". (More Pictures Here)
Funding for this project was received from the North Woodward Community Foundation and DTE Energy. The"100 Books" reading challenge mural was completed for Bemis in 2008.
The 2008 "Couture For A Cause" Karmanos charity fundraiser held at the Michigan Design Center featured evening gowns designed by I/ACT member Linda Shears and Troy Chamber President and I/ACT Director Michele Hodges was one of the models! Michele is shown above wearing a $300,000 emerald which was loaned for the show. Linda also designed fashions for the 2007 show which can be seen at her website.
The Free Friday "Brown Bag" Urban Arts Seminars continue in 2010. These one hour seminars are held at the Troy Public Library and will focus on the financial contribution of the rising "Creative Class" to the economy. (See schedule.)
Several of I/ACT's seminars have been converted to 30 minute TV show segments which have been playing on Community Media Network. During parts of 2009, over two hours of I/ACT shows featuring Photographer Bill Cowger and Troy's Ridgedale Player's Theater were broadcast per week.
Dr. Maria Hunciag, Cultural Arts Coordinator for the Troy Public Library coordinates the events and topics. Charlene Brown and James Homer Brown are responsible for the video recording and editing.
Troy Photography Bill Cowger has given several presentations over the past year and began 2010 with a talk about "The Business of Art".
In February, Larry Zdeb, a 3-D collage artist who is successfully showing his works throughout metro Detroit, discussed Art Marketing.
Linda Shears in and Diana Jellinek at work on another mural for Bemis Elementary School in Troy. The "100 Books" mural encourages the second graders kids to read at least 100 books per year.
December, 2007. Tom Gross, CEO of Ford & Earl graciously allowed I/ACT artists to display their work at the Ford & Earl holiday party held at the company's Troy headquarters on Big Beaver.
Many thanks again to Tom who has been a great patron of our group.
