FeedsLocal artists to join arts colony
Area artists will soon hit the streets as they bring their work and skills to the area during the annual Belleville Art Colony.
The event—organized by the Belleville Area Council for the Arts—will take place from 4-8 p.m. on Aug. 10 and 17 and an additional day on Aug. 24 during the Taste Of Belleville, located at Fourth Street Square on Main Street. This year, the colony will include area artists Jane Kovach of Belleville, Nicki Pijanowski of Belleville, Betty Jean Morris of Belleville and many others.
Originally on Friday nights, the event was changed to Thursday to increase participation, according to Phil Miller, treasurer of the arts council.
“We’re trying to get more interest and younger people, too, so we targeted different art fairs and schools around the area,” he said. “Maybe we can even turn this into an art show someday and not just a colony.”
In 1997, the city, the central business community and the arts council developed the first art colony. The concept of an ‘artist in residence’ brought professional artists to Belleville to show and encourage other artists to join their efforts. The art colony started in August with artists in attendance every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday of the month, according to the arts council.
Since then, the days have shortened for the event, but not the participation or level of talent. The colony typically gets about 15-20 artists who create artwork right on the spot.
Kovach said she will be creating her art pieces using watercolor. She said so far, her inspirations will be the orange wild daylilies on Sumpter Road.
“I love the outdoors and the trees. They’re beautiful,” said Kovach. “I’ll also be concentrating on one specific building, but it’s a surprise.”
Pijanowski, who will be participating for the third year, will use graphite pencil to create portraits. She has already won awards in the past for her ‘Glamour Lucy’ portrait of Lucille Ball.
“I’m not sure what I’m going to do this year,” said Pijanowski. “I’m still thinking it over.”
Morris, who won Best Local Scene last year, said she will be using oils to paint hollyhock flowers. This will be the third year she has participated in the colony.
The artists will also get a chance to win cash prizes and awards after the colony is finished. The ceremony will take place at 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 7 at the Century 21 Realty building, located at 309 Main St.
For more information about the art colony or to register for $15, contact the council office at (734) 697-8123.
