Women Share Artwork in Gallery Opening in Huntington Woods (video)
(Crystal A. Proxmire, Jan. 24, 2015)
The Great Flood of 2104 devastated many in Huntington Woods as backed up sewers flooded basements, destroying property and memories for many of the residents. The flood also hit the local art community hard, as it ruined the Woods Gallery, which is located in the basement of the Huntington Woods Library.
But after months of renovations, the space was ready. New floors and crisp white walls replaced the 30-year-old carpet and wood paneling, creating a beautiful space for their grand re-opening. Lisa Grix, artist and curator of the museum welcomed everyone and shared some history about the space.  Gallery of Girls 2 took place on Jan. 23, thirty years after the Woods Gallery launched their very first show.
Group of Girls 2 features work by 18 Metro Detroit ladies, mainly painting and photography. There was no theme other than the gender of the creator, so the call brought out an eclectic mix of work from women of all ages.
A mother and daughter even both had their work featured. Linda Mendelson had been an art teacher and is currently President of the Watercolor Society of Michigan. Her daughter Risa Mendelson had paintings in the show as well – brightly colored works that reflect her love for art and for psychology.
Julie Fournier, who organizes the Hazel Park Art Fair, also had three paintings, including one of the Kowalski Sausage sign. Emily Vastbinder also had an electric-light theme to her work, more specifically her paintings feature light bulbs, switches and cords – inspiration from experience in construction. Mara Magyarosi aimed for uniqueness with her photography transfers done on wood, glass and canvas, while Coleen S. Parsons creates portraits using a technique called reverse painting, where she does portraits on glass.
Check out the video below for interviews with these creative ladies, and stop by the Woods Gallery before Feb. 17 to see the complete exhibit. See www.woodsgallery.org for more info. Woods Gallery 26415 Scotia, Huntington Woods, MI 48070 (located in the lower level of the Huntington Woods Library)