Thursday, July 23, 2009

Art Scene: Freshwater Studio brings vacant building back to life


By Jennifer Richardson of The Graphic Weekly, 7-23-09

For 31 years, the retail space between Mark Patrick State Farm Insurance and Klevorn & Klevorn Law Offices on Water Street in Boyne City has been vacant. But on July 4, this space came back to life as four local art supporters unveiled their latest project, Freshwater Studio. Freshwater Studio emphasizes an appreciation of nature. Paintings and sculptures of wildlife and natural tones, both in the building itself as well as in the art on display, create an atmosphere of comfort and beauty. Glen and Cindy McCune of East Jordan and Tony Williams and Robin Lee Berry of Boyne City have renovated the retail space with a nod to its history. The brick walls are exposed, the wood floors speak of earlier times, and already the re-opening has sparked a sense of nostalgia in Boyne City residents.
"People stop in and tell us about how they bought their first bike here," Berry said, noting that the space previously housed Gambles Hardware. The gallery is dominated by the artistic woodworking of Williams and Glen McCune. Williams is a rustic builder, whose work is influenced by the natural shapes and characteristics unique to each piece of wood. (Photo courtesy of The Graphic Weekly)
Full story...