Mural
Bike Rack Project
Over the past many years, the City of South Haven, Van Buren County, and the Michigan DNR—along with other community organizations, various Friends groups, and the South Haven Visitors Bureau—have developed and promoted the use of local land and water-based trails in the area. In 2019, South Haven was one of four communities in Michigan to be designated as a Pure Michigan Trail Town in reflection of this effort.
Over the past year, outdoor recreational use has experienced significant growth, particularly with biking.
18 Mural Bike Racks: The South Haven Center for the Arts strives to feature local artists and celebrate our town. 18 Bike racks have been fabricated from steel by a local steel artist. These racks have been provided to selected artists and have been painted with their unique designs. The bike racks have been donated to the City of South Haven for display and use by the DDA and CVB (South Haven Visitor’s Bureau) in the downtown district of South Haven. The racks are installed seasonally and removed for the winter by the City of South Haven and have a sign mounted on them that designates them as part of the South Haven Trail Town Initiative.
David Baker
Located on Williams Street in front of Old Harbor Inn
Artist Bio
David Baker is a visual artist who specializes in poetic landscape painting, much of it done en plein air. His studio pieces are often reinterpretations of paintings done outdoors. His principle media are watercolor, oil, and charcoal.
David is a lifelong artist/teacher. He recently retired as art professor Emeritus from Southwestern Michigan College. He earned his MFA degree from Indiana State University. Over the years he has mounted more than four dozen solo exhibits. He has taught at Krasl Art Center since 2016 and Ox-Bow School of Art since 2000. He has served on board of the South Haven Center for the Arts since 2017. He is represented by Rising Phoenix Gallery in Michigan City.
Artist Statement
My bike rack proposal is a four panel, illustrated narrative poem painted on the four wheel discs. It is a whimsical children’s fantasy and also a nod to surrealist painter Rene Magritte. The poem reads left to right, but can be started on either side of the rack. Principally, it features South Haven as the blueberry capital of the world. Additionally, it references the city’s importance in the peach industry, and shows local landmarks and civic events. The framework of the bicycle will be painted blueberry blue.
Erica Bradshaw
Located in front of City Hall
Artist Statement
Artist Bio
My name is Erica Bradshaw, a mixed media artist from Kalamazoo. I am drawn to the variety of textures and patterns
found in our natural environment. In nature there is connection and growth everywhere--characteristics I strive to embody
as a person and artist. A goal of mine is to embrace the process behind techniques and absorb what makes them
successful. This approach creates a large variety within my work that allows me to look at new projects from all angles. A
message that remains present throughout my work is wonder and introspection. I enjoy making pieces that can create
thought-provoking questions within the viewer. Thoughts of the possibility of bettering themselves, the world around them, or as simple as embracing their curiosity. No matter our age we have the capability to grow from our experiences and interactions. Art has been a vessel for me to do so. I hope that viewing my work helps people better understand the
environment around them, and can help inspire change.
My bike rack design is what comes to mind when thinking of spring and summertime in Michigan. It's a time when animals
of all kinds start to emerge and the sun shining makes me feel like I can breathe again. I think anyone spending time in
warm, sunny, Michigan weather can relate. There is a feeling of curiosity, exploration, and beautiful color everywhere.
Growing up on 15 acres of field land, I wanted to include some things I remember my spring and summertime by. Things
that I loved seeing as a kid, and I still cherish as an adult. Some of these include, The fawn seen along walking paths and
trails. The Grape Hyacinth that blooms along paths and in gardens. The rabbit nests that I would come across and keep
watch over in the grasses. The daffodils that I see nestled along the roadside. The eye-catching Swallowtail butterflies
and the sunsets make you want to pause time and sit with them forever. I hope that this imagery resonates with those who
come across it and encourages them to notice the small moments they have with nature. The moments that will stay with
them for years to come.
Jessica Byers
Located in Dyckman Park
Artist Bio
My name is Jessica Byers and I was raised in South Haven, it’s all I’ve really known. Summer after summer I watch the tourists come then go when the weather gets colder. I’m 22 and I have been practicing art since before I can remember. I was told I didn’t always draw on paper, sometimes it was the walls. I don’t
think there was ever a specific moment that I realized that I was good at art, I’ve just always enjoyed doing it and kept experimenting with new mediums. I attended Lake Michigan College and I am a Red Hawk alumni, class of 2019, with my associates degree in graphic design. Since then, I have partnered with the South Haven Emergency Services to create placemats that enforce water safety to help keep others and yourself safe while swimming. You can find them either in your local restaurants or hanging up in businesses downtown. Currently, I’m working full time and on the side I run my own business called JB Art & Design creating custom art and have been able to ship overseas within the past year. I’ve enjoyed my business and thankful for the customers I’ve had and I’m excited to see where I am in a couple of years.
Artist Statement
This past year has been different for everyone, but one thing that doesn’t change is the ability to create art, expand our horizon, learn new things and challenge ourselves. That’s why I am excited to see so many people come together to make this project happen. The bike I designed represents South Haven and some of the great tourist attractions. On the front tire of the bike is The Friends Good Will ship, a replica of a top sail merchant sloop and a familiar face to many school events. On the back tire, off in the distance, is the iconic South Haven lighthouse, built in the 19th century. Flipping to the other side of the bike, is the steep sand dunes that are located at the Van Buren State Park. Where there, nothing beats standing on top of the warm sand with the wind blowing past your ears and looking down on Lake Michigan and feeling like you are on top of the world. I chose to highlight a few important parts of South Haven in hopes that when tourists walk by and see that they will visit these areas, learn some history and admire all the work artists have done for our little town.
Barbara Danger
Located on Center Street next to Clementine's
Artist Bio
I've been a mixed media artist for more than 30 years, with work in celebrity and corporate collections. Primarily a fine
artist, I have also created numerous public art pieces, including fiber installations, murals, parking lot murals, tire art.
My work, no matter what medium, is always colorful, bold and vibrant. I live in Kent County, Michigan.
Artist Statement
One of the most important things about biking is being seen. Too often bike accidents happen because motorists aren't seeing the riders. The rack design looks almost like a pair of glasses, which made me think of using colorful stripes and EYES. The mural entitled "I see you" is meant to prompt thought about how bikes and pedestrians are respected and seen in our busy city streets. The pop art eyes with graphic circles hint at the rotation of the bike tires.
Diana Densmore
Artist Bio
Diana Densmore is a multi-media artist, writer, and filmmaker. Her Art Bike “Summer Flew By in a Day” was part of the South Haven Center for the Arts 2019 Fourth of July Art Bikes parade. As an artist, she has also shown in California as part of the RAW artist collective and has sold her work privately. Diana’s work can also be seen in the background of various commercial and film projects. Most recently Diana served as Art Director on the feature film “Ghostwriter” (dir. Tim Miller in post-production). She holds an MFA in screenwriting from UCLA and a BA, double major, in film & video studies and creative writing from the University of Michigan. Diana also studies Animation at KVCC and is hard at work on her latest short film, “A Vivid Imagination.” In addition to her work in film, Diana spent considerable time as an educator and youth development specialist, progressing from camp counselor to after-school facilitator, to ESL teacher in Japan where she served as President of the Shiga JET Teacher’s Association.
Artist Statement
My design for this project, entitled, “Wishes” is a close-up of dandelions and their seeds being blown by the wind. The front tire of the bike will feature three large dandelion heads, in various states of seeding. The back tire and the seat will feature blades of grass and dandelion seeds floating through the air. The background will be sky blue with wisps of cloud. The bike rack will have the same image on both sides. “Wishes” is inspired by watching my daughter blowing dandelion wishes in the backyard. I was overcome remembering the joy of nature, the simplicity of childhood, and wonder at the world around us. These are the same feelings I hope to inspire in people as they bike around the city of South Haven.
Sam Dustin
Artist Bio
Sam Dustin is a local, born in South Haven, Michigan. After school she spent 15 years traveling while expanding her view of the world and artistic vision. Her work has been on display through the USA and Canada. Once she returned to the west coast of Michigan in 2010, Dustin has been contributing to the Michigan’s art coast community through murals, street art, and her business Siren’s Rose Tattoo Studio. When Dustin is not making art, you can find her hiking the dunes, biking the trails, and hanging out with her amazing dog Leo.
Artist Statement
The design of this bike rack is inspired by the lake and sunset colors of Michigan’s west coast. The locals, second home owners, and visitors of our area are “sunset worshipers.” When our sky lights up at dusk, no matter where we are, everyone takes a moment of pause and enjoy the display. Some find it romantic, some feel the sky is painted by loved ones who have passed, while others just sit back to enjoy the ambiance. It doesn’t matter if you're at the beach, in your backyard, on a boat, or just stepping outside of work. We all take that moment. This abstract eye design is to represent everyone who has seen the gorgeous sky colors over Lake Michigan, through their own eyes.
Carolyn Fink
Located on Quaker Street
Artist Bio
Since graduating from Kendall College of Art and Design, I have worked continuously in the graphics and advertising design field. Print media, logo identities, and Web were my outlet to creative design. Most of these years were spent with agencies, but in 2002, I did my first stints a freelancer since my children were still quite young. Then, it was a series of events in 2004 that swept me into the process of learning to create welded sculptures. I never thought about welding before, but a tiny ad in the newspaper caught my eye. Holly Fisher was an inspiring teacher and soon we traded print graphic and Web work for a discount on classes. It was a super arrangement. Along with welding, I have also tried various media throughout the years. Creating works, sculpture or illustration feels wonderful and very rewarding, but when my work ends up in someone’s home that is something I consider an honor.
Artist Statement
I will admit, I do not ride my bicycle often enough! But when I do, I love the feeling of working those muscles and the freedom of a woodsy trail and being submerged in nature. I must also admit, I like to draw birds. Quite a bit, actually. Birds are a natural symbol of freedom, peace, and of movement. A bird can fly wherever it chooses. It can land high or low. They are clever and fast and beautiful. I wanted to create a simple, friendly, nature themed mural for a bike rack I imagine showing all these things and sharing a feeling of happiness and peace. Bicycling is not only good for you, but good for nature too… and good for the birds. Just look at how happy they are to see you!
Kellie Greene
Located near Cafe Julia
Artist Bio
Kellie Greene is a Jewish, disabled artist who sought refuge for her family during the pandemic and settled in south Haven during the summer of 2020. She enjoys working in mixed media but primarily uses paint and ink. When not creating art she enjoys spending time at the beach with her family or dog, and growing orchids.
Artist Statement
Glasses of Inclusion - I intended for my design to look like a pair of rainbow daisy glasses. Daisies are said to symbolize inclusivity and bring joy. Its surrounding blending rainbow ombre is my vision for a post-pandemic world. That individuals and families carry the sense of empathy and inclusivity, and remember we are all humans at our core. We all have a desire to be loved and feel included.
Allison Jackson
Located on Eagle St. near Eagle Street Market
Artist Bio
As an artist who has grown up in Michigan and now resides here with my family, I have always found inspiration within nature from the water, the land and anything in between. As I continue my career as an artist I find more and more that water and surrounding landscapes steer my passion and creations. I am continuously drawn to the lines and patterns of our beloved state’s rock, the Petoskey stone, and find myself incorporating that image into my work as it fits. As a child I was a rock hunter and collector which continues into my adulthood today. I look everywhere from rock beds to our peaceful lakeshores to scope out those beautiful lines and other favored stones and fossils. I am also an Jr. and Sr. high school art educator and an advocate for the arts. I not only understand it’s importance in the human development but what role it plays as an emotional outlet for so many. When I am not creating artwork inspired by the water, you can find me creating meaningful custom pet portrait pillows. Not only is my work about the personal technical process but, more importantly, about how it is received to those who continue to support it.
Artist Statement
I chose to create my bike rack painting inspired by the patterns and lines of the Petoskey stone. The Petoskey stone represented in my proposal not only has a strong tie to the state of Michigan in that it is one of the only places to find such a treasure but it also relates to the city of South Haven directly with its’ distinct culture, history and ever changing tourism. This makes it a perfect representation of South Haven and its beauty. This design has been the inspiration for many of my personal art pieces. Every time I paint this pattern, each one changes just a bit just like each individual stone you will find. For my proposal, I used watercolor on the printable template to create my design. I understand using mural paints will create a different effect but the overall idea and design will be very similar. In my design both sides would be consistent and covered with the Petoskey patterns. My design would be painted in shades of grays, browns and subtle hints of blues, reds and oranges reminiscent of the original colorful coral it originates from. I will then go back over the painting and add the detail lines and patterns of the Petoskey. I know this stone holds a special meaning to so many who love this great state and to so many more who travel here to our beautiful lakeshore just to score one of these treasures for themselves.
Kimberley Kunze
Located on Quaker St. near Huntington Bank
Artist Bio
The artist is a licensed clinical psychologist who practices full-time in Grand Rapids, MI. She is passionate about diversity, inclusion and equity, which is reflected in most of her conceptual art pieces. She paints and creates primarily to help her process some of the traumas and pain she absorbs during her ‘day job’. She also enjoys creating realistic portraits and still life pieces to challenge herself technically. She has been painting since 1996, but it was only in 2020 when she found a passion for community-based art. She was lucky enough to be able to do three community-based projects in Grand Rapids in 2020 and she has been hopeful of being able to make community-based art installations a regular part of her life. She hopes that she will one day be able to provide healing and catharsis for others through art.
Artist Statement
This design was inspired by the game of Cat’s Cradle. The ongoing pandemic and socio-political struggles we are witnessing at this time inspired the artist to make a visual, but playful allusion to our struggles to connect with one another, whether it is because we are avoiding the spread of disease or because of the struggles for connection between different races and ethnicities. The design depicts connection through distance (via a string, or line). The subtle tension between two human forms was cathartic for the artist to draw, as the tension between individuals in our communities is sometimes subtle or invisible. The geometric lines are a pleasing pattern, but they also suggest a shattered whole. The colors are meant to evoke cheerfulness, but may also remind the viewer of citrus, which can be pleasing but also can be painful to sensitive or broken skin. The second image, “Side Two”, shows a hand with the string tied around a single finger to symbolize the notion of using a string as a way to remember. Despite the pain that has been highlighted and evoked by the 2020 pandemic and related socio-political struggles, memory and history are important. Finally, as a nod to the functional purpose of the bike stand, we need to remember to secure our bicycles.
Aron Lowe
Located near the South Haven Visitor's Bureau
Artist Bio
Aron Lowe has been an artist since she could hold a marker. Her father was a local art teacher, and so making and decorating and drawing were just what the whole family did. Aron attended Grand Valley State University for Art and Design, getting a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Printmaking. She has participated in a number of local art shows over the years. Her medium of choice for the past decade has been needle felted wool fiber art which she sells online and at selected art fairs around the state. For the past several years, she has been co-organizing the two summer art fairs for the local Saugatuck Douglas Art Club: The Waterfront Invitational Fine Art Fair, and the Village Square Arts and Crafts Fair. Recently Aron has achieved the honor of being selected as the Holland Tulip Time Poster Art Winner for the 2020 and 2021 festivals. Aron grew up in Saugatuck and now resides in Fennville where she grows a large garden with her husband, Jerod, and has been busying herself decorating their walls during the recent extended time at home. She also enjoys playing with her daughter, Winnie, and her lovely cats; Teddy, Emma, and Pip.
Artist Statement
My name is Aron Lowe. This is my design submission for the Bike Rack Project. I would be painting it the same on both sides of the bike, other than perhaps putting the sun design upright on the second side and the moon one upside down on the second side if that seems interesting to the judging committee. Otherwise, I would be painting it the same on both sides of the bike. My jumping off point for this design was that I wanted to stick with a flat graphic design so it would pop. I started with a wavy line representing the velocity of the bike. I took that shape and expanded it out until it also morphed into an abstract representation of the beautiful sand dunes, forests and lake of our shoreline. On one wheel there is an abstraction of night time on the dunes and on the other a reflection of a warm summer's day on the same dunes as a mirror image which brings some nice rhythm to the composition. I wanted to keep the colors bright and sunny and not too complicated as I am new to this type of project. For the thinner parts of the design on the "bike frame" I thought stripes like I have shown in my design would work well since those parts may be harder to do something more detailed as they are curved metal I think. I plan to paint each shape as flat graphic color, not in any painterly or impressionistic style. I would probably use painters tape to mask off the shapes to get the crispest edges.
Barb Chartier-Raudonis
Located at the Michigan Maritime Museum
Artist Bio
Barb Chartier Raudonis is an artist and crafter from South Haven, Michigan. Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Barb spent 7 years in Chicago before moving to South Haven with her husband, Danny. Since 2015 Barb has blended into the South Haven community by being involved in several community oriented projects. She was Vice President of the South Haven Garden Club, she serves on the Exhibition Committee of the South Haven Center for The Arts, and is employed at Senior Services of Van Buren County. Barb has taught many art and craft classes throughout Van Buren County including South Haven Center for The Arts, Senior Services, Van Buren County Library of Decatur, and hosts a weekly craft show on Facebook LIVE. In 2019, with her husband, Danny, she created an art bike by covering it entirely with Mardi Gras beads for the South Haven Center for The Arts community installment.
Artist Statement
"The Road To Happiness" - It’s very important, now more than ever, to have the ability to seek out and incorporate those things in life that make you happy. I’m not just referring to the once a year, 1 week vacation that makes one happy, but rather the kind of day to day, often overlooked or under appreciated things that we do (or CAN do) that bring us a “simple” and consistent, day-in, day-out kind of happiness. Such things as camping, listening to music, reading, going on a Road Trip, enjoying a walk in the woods, a slice of homemade apple pie, or riding your bike. What if each of us would make it a priority to do at least 1 thing, each and every day, that would bring us happiness and contentment? My bike rack design features a yellow smiley-face seat, handle bars, and top frame. “The Road To Happiness Is Never Ending. Enjoy It. Make Time For It” is the theme. Each circle, or wheel of the bike, is a labyrinth covered with various things or activities that can bring about happiness. In the center of each wheel are hearts, indicating the very core of our being….happy, content and satisfied.
Danny Donuts Raudonis
Located near Outpost Sports
Artist Statement
Artist Bio
Danny Donuts-Raudonis is a multidisciplinary artist from South Haven, Michigan. Arriving in 2015 with his wife Barb from Chicago, Danny has performed kids shows at The South Haven Library in conjunction with Foundry Hall and for The Rotary Club. He has been involved in Foundry Hall’s Rhythm On The River Festival, leading a team building an enormous junk band instrument contraption, building one-stringed canjos out of an aluminum can, a piece of wood and a guitar string and showing off his many home-built junk band instruments. In 2019, Danny and his wife Barb participated in the South Haven Center For The Arts’ Art Bike city-wide installment, covering an entire bike with Mardi Gras beads. Danny has also built wheeled attractions that have won over many fans at music festivals. His Yellow Submarine and Abbey Roadster art contraptions utilize electrical and mechanical systems that add to the art experience. Originally from Ottawa, Illinois, Danny has an Associates degree in Automotive Technology from Triton College, a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Technology from Central Michigan University and he drives a bus for Van Buren Public Transit. He is also heard each week on Ron Byrd’s Moondog Show on COSY-FM.
The sunsets in South Haven are magical, mystical, mesmerizing and majestic. They’ve been here before man and will continue as long as the sun keeps shining and the earth keeps spinning. Unlike blueberries, tour boats and tourists, sunsets have no season. Every evening in South Haven, people turn their attention westward to watch the natural light show that fills the sky with a palette of colors. Our sunsets are the great equalizer. In a time when our country, state and communities are so divided, sunsets have the power to unite us all in this human experience. Although many residents and tourists are fortunate to have a front row seat to this light show from the comfortable vantage point of their lakefront residences, South Haven welcomes everyone to experience this artistic phenomenon. The beaches, the break walls, the lighthouse, the city, state and community parks all give free access to everyone to share in this experience. This is why I chose to feature South Haven’s Lake Michigan sunsets on my proposed mural bike rack. The front wheel features a distinct sun setting in the west and the rear wheel celebrates the after-glow, which often paints the entire sky.
Kayla & Emma-Grace Ridley
Located near 501 Williams St.
Artist Bio
Emma-Grace Ridley is a 14 year old, South Haven resident. She homeschools and is in the 8th grade. In her free time, Gracie likes to create lots of different types of art, go fishing and spend time on Lake Michigan with her family. Someday Gracie hopes to make a career from her Art. Her favorite things to paint are South Haven landscapes, fish and animals.The South Pier lighthouse is something she especially loves to paint. Gracie is super excited to be a part of the bike rack project so her work can be seen in her hometown of South Haven.
Kayla (Wyszynski) Ridley is a fine artist and muralist based in South Haven, Michigan. She graduated from Kendall College of Art and Design with a BFA in Illustration in 2014. Following her graduation, she obtained her first major commission – a mural welcoming visitors to South Haven. Ever since, she realized how much she enjoyed creating community art outdoors and has created several murals and public art installations throughout South Haven and beyond. Kayla also creates art in her home studio in a variety of mediums with a focus on portraiture and landscapes. She strives to enrich the lives of others through her art.
Artist Statement
Our design for the bicycle rack brings attention to the natural wonders in the environment of our hometown. We plan to paint underwater scenes of lake Michigan within the large circular areas of the bicycle wheels on both sides creating four lenses into the world underneath the water’s surface. We will include native species of fish including but not limited to – salmon, perch, sunfish, sea lamprey, trout, minnows, and sturgeons. The thin bars making up the rest of the bicycle rack will be painted to look like beach sand with the natural repetitive ripples caused by the lake effect breeze and currents. On the top of the bicycle handle and seat we will paint various beach rocks, shells, and glass. Our color palette will have a focus on local color. The sand will be painted a golden tan with speckles of various colors to add texture and depth. The water will be a blended mixture of teal, ultramarine, and Prussian blue. Soft light blue vertical lines will cross through the water depicting the beams of sunlight passing through. The fish will be painted in a variety of colors relative to their species. We will paint intricate details within each highlighting their iridescent scales and fins.
Josh Stutz
Located on Quaker St. near City Hall
Artist Bio
Josh Stutz is an Illustrator from Jenison, Michigan. Josh graduated from Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids, MI with a BFA in Illustration in December of 2020, and focused mainly on Natural Science Illustration. Josh has a strong knowledge of ink, graphite, and colored pencil as well as watercolor and oil paint. His time in college has also taught him elements of graphic design, and other digital methods of illustration. He is heavily inspired by the outdoors, and he enjoys creating art that involves nature in some way. With a strong background in illustration, his art has lent itself to some printmaking methods in which he creates his own products including prints, clothing, and accessories. While he is experienced with realism he also enjoys making art in different styles as a way to challenge himself, and to keep from confining himself to one particular method of creating. Depicting the natural world is the main thread that connects his work together. His work ranges from black and white ink- drawings to bright and colorful poster designs, and he is heavily insipred by classical artists like John-James Audubon, Rembrandt, and contemporary artists like Steve Fryholm.
Artist Statement
For this bike rack I wanted to highlight the beauty of the lakeshore in South Haven. When I think of South Haven pictures of the beach, fishermen on the pier, and watching the sunset are conjured in my mind. As a coastal city it is known for these things, and it's natural beauty is what draws thousands of people there every year during the tourist season. I choose to draw a school of fish on the front wheel as a nod to the multitudes of people that flood the city and the beaches to enjoy what South Haven has to offer. I incorporated different net patterns to contribute to the fish theme since it is also a fishing hub, and is the home of the Michigan Maritime Museum. Commercial fishing is an important part of the coast of West Michigan, and that's something I wanted to touch on. For the back wheel I wanted to do my best to show the beauty of the lakeshore at sunset while keeping with the style I chose. I added large stars to highlight the shine of the water, and I wanted to keep the waves general enough to where they could possibly be interpreted as the sand dunes. I chose this theme because I thought it fit well considering that they are bike racks, and encourage an eco-friendly mode of transportation to explore the city for it's natural beauty.
Kelly Vander Kley
Located on Williams St. near The South Haven Yacht Club
Artist Bio
Exploring nature through art is my passion and South Haven is one of my lifelong favorite places to be. I have been fortunate enough to see the community grow and change over many decades and seasons, so this project is filled with meaning for me. I have chosen vibrant colors and symbols that remind me of South Haven as I have come to know it spending so many of the most precious days of my life here. I spend my childhood with toes in the sand, spend my early adulthood wiping sand from the wiggling toes of my own children, and now hope to spend a great deal of time wandering in the sand watching sunsets in my later years along the beautiful shoreline.
Artist Statement
Sitting along the lakeshore as the summer days linger into fall, toes dip into water, sand-filled hair flows in the wind, and brilliant speckles of dainty orange dot the landscape like careful confetti, the migratory flight of the monarch butterfly often begins in South Haven upon the solitary milkweed that speckle the wind-carved dunes. This bicycle rack is decorated with various overlapping monarch wing patterns as a salute to the journey the frail winged creatures will make and a nod at the journey we all must make through our experiences in life. The bold orange will surely provide a splash of color to the community.
Summer Wilson
Artist Bio
My name is Summer Wilson and I’ve just recently started putting some roots into the town of south haven. I happen to be the tattoo apprentice underneath Sam Dustin. A little bit about me starts with always having been a small town beach hippie. I grew up in Saugatuck, so experiencing lakeshore living has been ingrained in me. The West Michigan forests, lakes, and fresh air are something that I find incredibly hard to not only leave but find mimicked somewhere else. From playing in mud puddles as a kid to now finding all the creeks and shoreline secret spots, the water is as much a part of me as it is the shorelines of Michigan. This is where I’ve grown up, it’s where most people who have remained here will always call their home. There’s a real-ness, a pure element of nature that remains in the small towns around the state that you won’t be able to find somewhere else. As a lover of the elements of nature, creating that peaceful energy has been something that has become seemingly second nature at this point. I spend so much time in the woods and at the beach it almost feels strange when I’m not there. I have a tendency to always attract people with the same intensive desire to constantly be by the shores and forests, we’re a totally different breed of people I swear. I’d have to say my love for nature has allowed me to generate quite the green thumb as well, it’s not a stretch to admit one day my home will look like a jungle. It’s getting pretty close already. Another season for me to experience the town of south haven and I’m excited to be a part of this community.
Artist Statement
As far as my design layout goes for this bike rack, I was back and forth on a few different ideas. Such as a similar style to Keith Herring's murals depicting community relations and different characters that make up the community to a favorite west Michigan bird of mine, the blue jay. Which has symbolic significance as far as courage, determination, and intelligence. In hindsight of the previous design ideas I settled on something that seems more reflective of me and where I’m at in the community. I decided to roll with a particular design concept of the waters tide following the scales of a mermaid. To represent the ties we have with the annual Mermaid Mega fest. I was unaware of the Merfest until last year, and not having to be a part of the principle of the festival due to COVID-19 was bumming. The Merfest is here to represent the dedication to preserve our planet's aquatic ecosystem, as this festival brings awareness to such dier subjects. I knew there couldn’t have been a better fit for the design concept. As a local and lover of the conditions of the shorelines and forests around us, to continue to raise questions and concerns about the conditions of these wildlife areas remains important to me but also important for the preservation of generations to come. A lake state such a Michigan without the access we have now, wouldn’t be the same. This mural will be made with the intent that the viewer take it upon themselves to ask questions and get deeper with the message behind it. Aside from that, it will also be a very reflective piece for the town of south haven. With beachy vibes, there’s no missing the connections to the Merfest with these scales.
Kimberly Wood
Located on Center Street, Near Maria's Taste of Italy
Artist Bio
Kimberly Wood is best known for her slight obsession with detail, whether in graphite on paper or chalk on pavement. From a young age, she has always been inspired by nature and its ephemeral moments, especially in the various trips throughout the US, exploring new landscapes and indigenous animals of the region, or simply exploring her own backyard. This love inspired her to pursue a Bachelors in Art Education & Bachelor of Fine Arts in Oil Painting from Grand Valley State University. As a street painting artist, she has had the opportunity to chalk in many states across the country, even as far as Halifax, UK. Kimberly is a full-time Commercial Design Instructor at Van Buren Tech to high school students and a freelance artist / dog adopter on the side. Today, Kimberly works in almost every medium: graphite, colored pencil, pastel, chalk, acrylic, oil, watercolor and photography. The beauty of using various mediums is the chance to explore different ideas. She loves being able to express her love for nature, animals and the beauty of women through the chalk medium. Above all, Kimberly is an artist seeking to inspire others as those special people in her life have done for her.
Artist Statement
Every time I visit South Haven it’s always so lively and colorful. The energy of the people matches that of the lake. There’s so many individual pieces that come together to create a place and that’s what I love about the mosaic style of a couple of the designs. Everyone beams their own color the same way we can find feathers that come in every color of the rainbow. Most of the colors we find in feathers are caused by pigment, just like we use pigment in the artwork we create. In the end, we all come together to create this unique place. The same can be said for every individual feather on a bird. Each one plays a role in keeping the bird in flight, to navigate stormy weather or sail smoothly into a sunset, or to provide warmth and protection. They all work together to protect the bird as a whole from harsh elements and things unseen. In all, each piece draws the viewer to think about their surroundings and the way color plays into their experiences. My hope is that any of the designs help to mimic the vibrant community and what it has to offer.