West Michigan Area Show

West Michigan is home to a talented community of visual artists, and some of their finest recent work will be on display at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts in its annual West Michigan Area Show. Since the 1960s, this annual exhibition has showcased the exceptional work of area artists in all media.

A juried exhibition, the Area Show draws hundreds of entries from a 14-county region of West Michigan. Each year, the KIA staff selects a local juror to choose the artists from more than 500 submitted entries, ranging from paintings, prints and photos to mosaics, ceramics, jewelry, sculpture and mixed-media works.

WMAS 2014 Juror Stephen Doherty served as editor-in-chief of American Artist magazine for 31 years and is now editor of PleinAir magazine, a publication for people who enjoy art based on direct observation of nature. He has written numerous books and articles, exhibited his paintings widely, and judged art exhibitions for museums and art societies. Doherty earned a MFA degree from Cornell University, taught art in public schools and colleges, and now offers workshops around the country.

Doherty will offer a plein air painting workshop through the KIA, May 15-18, for individuals who wish to expand their skills, while working in the beautiful SW Michigan landscape. All painting and pastels media are invited. Registration at 269.349.7775, x3101.