The 22nd Orchard Lake Fine Art Show in West Bloomfield, Michigan, recently took place on July 26-27, drawing in approximately 4,500 attendees. The event showcased the works of nearly 200 artists, including a significant number of young creatives.

• Regina Dunn, a first-time artist, displayed a range of diptych art, featuring sets of canvas panels that come together to form a larger picture.
• She is a retired hairstylist who now uses her artwork as a means of creative expression, particularly through abstract art.

The energy at the event was palpable, with Patty Narozny, the show’s owner and producer, stating that it was “higher and more positive” than recent years. This could be attributed to the improving Michigan economy, which was observed by Narozny in discussions with the artists about their sales.

1. For the youth art competition, Oakland County kids aged 5-13 or grades K-8 competed, with John Teal Crutchfield, a medal artist from Richmond, Va., serving as the judge.
2. Awarded “Best in Show — Mixed Media” was Libby Katz, 7, for her mixed media artwork.

“Creamsicles and Sunshine” is a mixed media piece created by Libby Katz that showcases her artistic talents and creativity. This artwork was described as “refreshing” by one of the judges.

A highlight of the show was the feature artist, Agnes Rathonyi, who showcased a new collection for the event. This collection featured an all-new piece that had not been seen before at any other show in the country, according to Narozny.

1. The Petoskey stones, Michigan’s state stone, were also on display, given a distinctly Michigan touch by the married couple Laurie and John Copeland of Florida.
2. Agnes Rathonyi, the feature artist, crafted an original piece that caught the eye in just two seconds.

The youth art competition stood out as a notable aspect of the show, with children’s artwork showcasing a greater emphasis on nature and animals.

A notable aspect of the youth competition was the judging comment by John Teal Crutchfield, a medal artist from Richmond, Va. He observed that today’s children are more likely to create art featuring animals and nature, rather than buildings, cities, and products.

This is likely due to the numerous ads and influences children are exposed to in their daily lives.

This influence can be seen in the artwork displayed at the show, where nature and animals take center stage. For example, Olori Amen-Ra, age 8, created a painting that was described as “Picasso-esque” by one of the judges.

Some notable aspects of the show include:

1. Approximately 4,500 people attended the event.
2. The number of artists participating was nearly 200.
3. The event featured food, entertainment, and, of course, art.

Definitions:

Abstract art is a style of art that does not depict realistic subjects. Instead, it uses colors, shapes, and forms to create a visual representation.

Mixed media art combines different art forms, such as painting, drawing, or sculpture, to create a unique piece of art.

The Orchard Lake Fine Art Show is an annual event that features works by local artists, along with a youth art competition.

Artist Perspectives and Insights

“Painting makes me happy,” said Olori Amen-Ra, age 8, about the joy that art brings her.

As a returning vendor and this year’s featured artist, Agnes Rathonyi, described, “This has been a great show.