By:
M. Elaine Twichell
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The Depot Center for the Arts will reopen February 1st with an exciting new exhibit. The exhibit is entitled “Paper, Pigment and Panels”. The two exhibiting artist’s styles and media are at opposite ends of the scale. Wildly different, yet so complementary. Xavier is characterized as an American Contemporary Figure Artist. He said, “I mainly choose to draw people, or rather the essence of people, because they are the most exciting subject matter that I have come across in my years of study. The social interaction of human beings can cause a Mirada of emotions that runs the full gamut of all life itself”. Xavier was born in Owosso and is the middle child. During his formative years Xavier traveled to the southwest where he lived in a number of states including Colorado, Arizona, and California, always experimenting with different art media. Because of his longing for more knowledge about art, he sought and acquired an Associates Degree in Graphic Design in 2001 from Baker College. Currently, he is a senior at Michigan State University, and will graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in the Studio Arts Program. His style of painting is like none I have ever seen before. His figures are bare; some literally, but all have had their souls exposed. The beauty of the body is sometimes masked by his dark side, which he is not afraid to show. This energetic, vibrant, fiercely imaginative young man will make his place in the art world. People will know his name, and you have the opportunity to see his work now. Don’t wait until you have to stand in line for hours just to have the Xavier experience! Tamar Aldrich is a multi media artist who currently works mainly in pastel and oil painting media. She is, however, experienced in many other mediums including, but not limited to printmaking, ceramics, and handmade paper. It is her Handmade paper that she will favor us with during this exhibit – giving us the “Paper” portion of the show. Ms. Aldrich is well known around the state of Michigan as she has been exhibiting and receiving numerous awards and honors since 1986. Armed with her degree in Liberal Arts with a focus on the fine arts, she began her notable career. This career has included operating studios, teaching, opening her own art supply stores in Owosso and Flushing, and being the star of two television shows! “Pastyles” is a television program in which she does Pastel Demonstrations with Style. She is responsible for all aspects of this show. Another show entitled “Art Talk” on local cable in Owosso ran from 2002 until March of 2006. She is well versed in all areas of art and art history, making her a joy to talk with. Tamar’s handmade paper is beautiful in itself, but her incredible sense of design allows her to manipulate and rearrange it, add to it with a pallet that comes from the earth. She says, “ To see art and say it is beautiful is not enough. Can you feel the art within your soul? Touch the art with your mind. Is the texture apparent? Can you taste it? Can you smell it? Art is far more than visual, it is multi dimensional and meant to be enjoyed by all of the senses, not just the eyes”. Tamar will be giving a free demonstration of chalk pastel painting at the Depot on Sunday, March 4th from 1 – 3 pm. Artists reception will be held Sunday, February 4th at the Depot Center for the Arts, 107 E. Railroad Street St. Johns, from 1:00 – 3:00 PM. Our Musical Guest will be Chris Cook playing Guitar. Gallery Hours are Wed – Fri from 11am until 6pm, and Saturdays from 10:00 until 2:00/For more information about upcoming shows and events at the Depot, call 989 224 2429 or visit our website: www.clintoncountyarts.org M. Elaine Twichell is the Creative Director of the Clinton County Arts Council and Project Manager of the Railroad Museum.
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