2018

Article Archive

"Sticks and Stones: a Celebration of Nature" an Exhibition by Sarah Hillman

Lansing-based multi-media artist Sarah Hillman was born in Cape Town, South Africa, raised in Windhoek, Namibia, and moved permanently to Michigan after graduating high school. Her work is a celebration and reflection of the things she is passionate about and tell a story of meaningful moments in people's lives. Sarah works in a variety of mediums, including watercolor, digital painting, ceramic sculpture and ‘rock art.’

November 25, 2019

City of Lansing Arts Impact Project Call for Proposals

Come pitch your project for the Arts Council of Greater Lansing and the City of Lansing's 2020 Arts Impact Project. The chosen project will receive an award of $75,000 for the development of a permanent creative structure that enhances a neighborhood's appearance and kindles community engagement in the City of Lansing.

November 18, 2019

Seeking Artists: 2020 Member Exhibit Wall -- January - June Exhibitions

Call to Arts Council Artist Members! The Arts Council is seeking Artists for its Exhibit Wall for January - June 2019. Submit your application.

October 2, 2019

"It Started With a Gecko" an Exhibition by Wendy Shaft

Wendy is an accomplished printmaker who has been making art for more than 40 years. She works in relief printmaking as well as surface design and dye-painted textiles and has printed chap books, posters and broadsides as well.

September 24, 2019

"I'd Rather be Painting" an Exhibition by Nancy Aitcheson

Nancy Aitcheson began painting as a young adult and works in oils and watercolor. She is inspired by still life, landscapes and people in everyday situations, and strives for interesting composition, and a colorful, loose approach to her pieces.

September 6, 2019

Announcing Call for 2019 Applause Awards Nominations

The Arts Council is currently accepting nominations for the annual Applause Awards, which recognize members and organizations in the community for their work in supporting, promoting and furthering the arts in our Greater Lansing region. Nominate someone today! Deadline is Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 at 11:59 p.m.

August 30, 2019

Winds of Change--New Growth and New Roles at the Arts Council

It is no secret that change has been in the air at the Arts Council over the last few months. We are very excited to announce that Taylor Rupp is stepping into a new role as we continue to move our organization forward in new directions.

August 1, 2019

"Flights of Fancy" an Exhibition by Sarah Surface Evans

Sarah Surface Evans is a life-long lover of art and creativiety. She paints and draws daily and especially loves working with India ink and watercolor.

July 29, 2019

"Contrasts" an Exhibition by Matt Mulford

Matt Mulford is a Lansing-area artist who works in a variety of mediums and subject matters. He is a co-owner of Peculiar Perspectives Studio & Gallery in Williamston and owner of Mulford Arts.

June 24, 2019

Call to Artists: "City Pulse" Seeks Artists for 2019 "Summer of Art" Cover Series Copy

"City Pulse" and the Arts Council of Greater Lansing announce the 2019 Summer of Art cover series call to artists and application guidelines.

May 31, 2019

A Few Words From Debbie--The Times, They Are a Changing!

Changing times, strategic growth, new directions and new paths. Spring is bringing a great deal of change to the Arts Council, including a passing of the baton, as executive director Debbie Mikula annouces her new position in the community and the new interim Arts Council executive director.

May 13, 2019

"Nature's Tapestry" an Exhibition by Christine Beals

Christine Beals is a local artist whose work is inspired by geometric shapes, quilt patterns and the beauty of nature. Her work will be on display at the Arts Council for the month of June and an opening reception will take place on June 7 from 5-7 p.m. at the Arts Council. The event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.

May 1, 2019

Arts Council Announces 2019 Grant Recipients

The Arts Council of Greater Lansing proudly announces grant funding totaling more than $142,000 that was distributed to area artists and arts organizations in the Capital region.

April 16, 2019

"Found Cartoons" an Exhibition by DANIEL J. HOGAN

Daniel J. Hogan is a Lansing cartoonist who works with inks and watercolors, and makes digital art as well. His focus is creating humorous illustrations that get a smile or a chuckle out of the viewer. His exhibition will be on display at the Arts Council through the month of May!

April 5, 2019

"Gertie Lives on Ginkgo Street: Our Story Begins" an Exhibition by Marissa Tawney Thaler

Marissa Tawney Thaler is a visual artist living in Lansing, Mich. She holds a BFA from Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids, where she studied Art Education and Illustration. Marissa’s work, often narrative in nature, uses primarily drawing media to achieve a “bittersweet aesthetic.” Often working in series, she aims to find the lighthearted side of struggles and moments of connection in everyday happenings.

April 5, 2019

Announcing Arts Night Out Afterglo!

Calling All Karaoke Aficionados and Friends! The Arts Council of Greater Lansing is pleased to announce Arts Night out Afterglo at UrbanBeat in Old Town! Join us as we present our first ever karaoke contest and afterglo party following Arts Night Out!

March 29, 2019

Seeking Artists: 2019 Member Exhibit Wall -- July - Dec Exhibitions

Call to Arts Council Artist Members! The Arts Council is seeking Artists for its Exhibit Wall for July - December 2019. Submit your application.

March 25, 2019

Arts Council “Support Young Creatives” Billboards Feature Youth Art

Each year during the month of March, the Arts Council Celebrates Youth Art Month with their "Support Young Creatives" billboard campaign and art exhibition. Youth Arts Month was launched in 1961 and emphasizes the important role of the arts in a child’s education and why all children deserve to have a quality arts education program included in their school curriculum. The Young Creatives Billboards and Exhibition will run through the end of March.

March 1, 2019

ARTiculate...Raise Your Voice in Support of the Arts

Throughout the entire month of March, the Arts Council's devotes its time toward advocating for the arts, planning at least 30 scheduled visits to municipal and school board meetings around the Tri-Counties. We invite you to join us and ARTiculate...raise your voice in support of the arts.

February 13, 2019

"Glass Shapes and Sounds" an Exhibition by Janice Hirokima

When creating her glass-scapes, Janice draws on her appreciation of the forms, motion and contrasts of the natural world. She expresses her creativity by combining assorted colors and handmade streaks and highlights of opaque, transparent and iridized glass, arranged in combinations using a genre she coined "Kinetic Balance." Her goal is to provide the viewer with a realm of order and calm that stands in contrast to the chaos of the external world.

February 8, 2019

Arts Council Introduces 2019-2021 Strategic Plan

The Arts Council of Greater Lansing is pleased to announce the release of its 2019-2021 Strategic Plan. The new three-year plan provides focus and guides the organization toward new goals, relationships and growth for the region.

January 23, 2019

City of Lansing Introduces $140,000 in First Impressions Program Grants

Lansing Mayor Andy Schor was joined this morning by the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP), the Arts Council of Greater Lansing and 2019 First Impressions grant awardees at the Michigan Institute of Contemporary Art to announce $140,000 in 2019 First Impressions program grants.

January 15, 2019

"All That is Color," an Exhibition by Svitlana Martynjuk

Svitlana Martynjuk's work is inspired by abstract expressionism movement. She allows her experiences to influence much of her work and believes that each viewer discovers their own interpretation based on their internal state and environment. Her goal is to bring an abundance of joyful and calm feelings, as well as to help the viewer see the world through her eyes... to feel the emotions that are born in the painting process.

January 4, 2019

"La Fraschetta del Borgo" -- An Exhibition by Joseph Yarbrough

Our October exhibition is "La Fraschetta del Borgo" by Joseph Yarbrough. This exhibition is a collection of images from Rome, Italy, especially Ostia, that tell a story of the people, the places and experiences through Joseph's perspective.

December 7, 2018

Arts Council Announces 2018 Applause Award Recipients

The Arts Council of Greater Lansing presented six awardees with Applause Awards at its 39th annual Holiday Glitter event held at the University Club of Michigan State University on Dec. 4, 2018. Awards were presented in the following categories: Creative Community, Business Leadership, Arts and Cultural Organization, Arts Educator, Individual Artist and Individual Leadership.

December 5, 2018

Arts Council of Greater Lansing Announces 2018/2019 Artist Billboards

The Arts Council of Greater Lansing, in partnership with Adams Outdoor Advertising, is excited to announce its ninth year of “Art in the Sky” billboards, featuring the work of 10 Greater Lansing area artists.

November 26, 2018

"Global Expressions" An Exhibition by the Greater Lansing Global Community

The Arts Council presents "Global Expressions," an exhibition by Greater Lansing area immigrant, refugee and global-student population. This exhibition features the work of 11 area artists and will be on display through the month of November with an opening reception to be held on Nov. 2, 2018 from 5-8 p.m. during Arts Night Out in Old Town.

October 25, 2018

Announcing the Arts Council of Greater Lansing's 2018 Applause Awards Nomination Application!

The Arts Council is currently accepting nominations for the annual Applause Awards, which recognize members and organizations in the community for their work in supporting, promoting and furthering the arts in our Greater Lansing region. Nominate someone today! Deadline is Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2018 at 11:59 p.m.

October 8, 2018

Seeking Artists: 2019 Member Exhibit Wall -- January - June Exhibitions

Call to Arts Council Artist Members! The Arts Council is seeking Artists for its Exhibit Wall for January - June 2019. Submit your application.

October 8, 2018

Arts Council Launches "Creative 517" CED Plan

Nearly a year in the making, the Cultural Economic Development Plan (CED Plan) was revealed to an audience of nearly 300 people at the Arts Council's Creative Placemaking Summit on Oct. 4, 2018.

October 5, 2018

City of Lansing First Impressions Arts Impact Project Call to Artists and Details

The Arts Council of Greater Lansing, in partnership the Lansing Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) is pleased to announce the City of Lansing's Arts Impact Project. This annual project awards $75,000 for the development of a permanent creative installation that enhances a neighborhood's appearance and kindles community engagement in the City of Lansing.

October 1, 2018

Arts Council Announces Slate of New Board Members for FY2019

The Arts Council of Greater Lansing is pleased to announce the appointment of three new members to its board of directors and re-election of two incumbents for FY2019.

September 24, 2018

"Features of Michigan" an Exhibition by Angela Hamilton

Our October exhibition is "Features of Michigan" by Angela Hamilton. Angela is an award-winning plein air artist who has a great appreciation and reverence for Michigan wildlife and scenery, which she expresses in her work.

September 10, 2018

"Preston Penwork, 2018" an Exhibition by Dennis Preston

Our September exhibition is "Preston Penwork, 2018" by Dennis Preston. Dennis Preston is an illustrator, artist and teacher working in Greater Lansing. Most of the pieces in this show are entirely new works--sometimes edgy or odd--sometimes funny and entertaining and offer much for the eye to take in and the mind to ponder.

September 4, 2018

Communications and Connections: a New Perspective--By Nick Perialis

Nick Perialis spent the summer learning the ins and outs of public relations and communications while growing his writing skills for publication. Follow along as he shares his experience as an Arts Council PR intern.

August 6, 2018

"Visionary Art" an Exhibition by David "Bodie" Carrigan

Our August exhibition is "Visionary Art" by David Carrigan. David works in acrylics and oils on canvas and various other mediums. He loves to tell stories with his work that reflects a variety of subject matter. David has loved drawing since he was very young and finds the world to be a place full of magic. He hopes others will experience that feeling as well when they view his images.

July 30, 2018

Downtown Lansing Inc. Artist Feedback Response and UPDATED RFP for Wallscape Project

UPDATED: Downtown Lansing Inc, call for proposals for Downtown Lansing Wallscape Project. DLI, in partnership with City of Lansing, respond to feedback from artist community and secure additional funds for artist's work.

July 26, 2018

Max and Louis Boyang "LOST IN NATURE" Exhibition

Our July exhibition features the art of Max and Louis Boyang, who are 12-year-old twin artists. Max and Louis have exhibited across the country and won national awards in adult competitions. Their detailed and colorful works express a love of nature and its design.

July 2, 2018

Arts Council of Greater Lansing and Capital Region Community Foundation Announce Call to Artists for Public Art Project

The Arts Council of Greater Lansing and the Capital Region Community Foundation announce a request for qualifications/proposals (RFQP) for a new public art project in downtown Lansing – one block in front of the State Capitol. Deadline is Monday, July 23, 2018, 11:59 p.m. Submit your application today!

June 19, 2018

Call to Artists: "City Pulse" Seeks Artists for 2018 "Summer of Art" Cover Series

"City Pulse" and the Arts Council of Greater Lansing announce the 2018 Summer of Art cover series call to artists and application guidelines.

June 18, 2018

A Few Words From Debbie--Tapping Into Your "Hustle" for Creative Results

How do we get more involved in our communities and creatively make our region one that we love--one in which we take great pride and ownership? Hint--it's all about hustle--starting small, reaching out and digging in to create results and make things happen.

June 5, 2018

Board of Water & Light and Arts Council Reveal Central Substation Mural Project Team

At a press conference held at Michigan Imagery in Lansing, Mich., the BWL and the Arts Council of Greater Lansing announced Michigan Imagery as the creative team for the Central Substation Mural Project.

May 25, 2018

Chance Liscomb "Sweet Dreams" Exhibition

Chance Liscomb is a sculptor and painter. He enjoys creating works around colorful, common objects. This body of work is a selection of paintings that focus on some of life's sweeter elements.

May 17, 2018

Arts Council Announces 517 Day Art Photo Contest

The Arts Council is excited to participate in the upcoming 517 Day event, hosted by Lansing Made & River Town Adventures, with a contest that focuses on, you guessed it...ART!

May 16, 2018

A Few Words From Debbie--Getting to Know You and Gratitude

Since January 2018, cultural and economic leaders in the tri-counties have been sharing their opinions and their perspectives with Martin Cohen, our national consultant. By the end of the week, will have engaged more than 400 individuals to help us create a strong Cultural Economic Develeopment Plan that includes arts and culture at its heart, but we still need some help.

May 1, 2018

"Bodies of Light," an Exhibition by David Annis

During the month of May we will be featuring the art of David Annis. In this exhibition, "Bodies of Light," David uses long-exposure photography and other techniques to capture the beauty and grace of the human form.

April 25, 2018

Adado Riverfront Park Re-Visioning Phase One Complete--Groundwork Completed for New Permanent Stage

The City of Lansing recently announced the completion of phase one of the Adado Riverfront Park re-visioning and permanent stage. The Arts Council is proud to be a member of the project steering committee and is excited for the next phase to begin. Read all about the plans and next steps.

April 24, 2018

Creative Exchange: Top 2 Reasons for Showing Up

There are a multitude of reasons why you should attend our 2018 Creative Exchange. Our speaker and leader for the day, Barbara Schaffer Bacon has two that are especially important to her, and she is excited to share with you. See what Barbara has to say about the Creative Exchange!

April 23, 2018

A Few Words From Debbie--Are You Ready for a Creative Exchange?

Are you ready for a creative exchange? As leaders in the arts and cultural community, we have an uncommon capacity to share insights – to find common ground for working together. From viewpoints expressed, and those heard, emerge fresh ideas for community change and revitalization. At the end of the day, we all envision thriving and dynamic communities.

April 5, 2018

The Color of Change an Exhibition by Catherine Tonning-Popowich

The Arts Council is pleasd to present, The Color of Change, an exhibition by Catherine Tonning Popowich. Michigan born and raised, Catherine has been creating art her entire life. The Color of Change represents a shift in Catherine's work from realism to abstract, that led her to exploring with new techniques and colors.

April 2, 2018

Lansing Board of Water & Light - Central Substation Project: Request for Qualifications/Proposals

The Arts Council of Greater Lansing, in partnership with Board of Water & Light are pleased to announce a request for qualifications/proposals (RFQP) for a new public art project, funded by public resources through the Lansing Board of Water & Light.

March 16, 2018

Announcing $140,000 in First Impressions Grants to Greater Lansing Arts Organizations

On Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2018, the Arts Council joined Lansing Mayor Andy Schor, LEAP and more than 10 area arts organizations to announce $140,000 in 2018 First Impressions grants.

February 21, 2018

Voice Your Support for the Arts! March is Arts Council Advocacy Month

For the past 52 years, the Arts Council has been a strong advocate for arts, culture and creativity in the Tri-Counties. We have taken a stand on arts in the schools, percent-for-art programs, the value and importance of the arts, funding on a national, statewide and local basis, diversity and inclusion, and so much more. We invite you to join us a spokesperson for the arts during the month of March, and voice your support for the arts!

February 13, 2018

A Few Words From Debbie--News and Updates From the Executive Director

As the new year begins, so begins our process of creating a new strategic plan to help us envision a stronger, more creative region and organization. Read how we plan to move forward in this process and what some of our hopes are for goals and outcomes.

February 1, 2018

"Indigenous People, an Illustration," An Exhibition by Nevin Speerbrecker

The Arts Council is pleased to present this exhibition by Nevin Speerbrecker. Nevin uses pencil and marker to create this collection of representations of indigenous people and wildlife from North America and across the globe.

January 19, 2018

Arts Council Announces Young Creatives Billboard Project: Open to All Tri-County Educators and Their Students

In celebration of Youth Art Month, the Arts Council is pleased to announce its "Support Young Creatives" campaign and Young Creatives Billboard Project. Arts educatiors in the Greater Lansing Tri-County Region are invited to submit artwork from students ages K-12.

January 18, 2018

How Can We Best Serve You? We Want to Know!

In what ways can the Arts Council best serve you as an artist, a community member, a business owner, an entrepreneur...? Take our short survey today! (Psst, you could win a $50 Visa gift card.)

January 5, 2018

Join the Circle of Giving--A Letter From the Arts Council of Greater Lansing's Executive Director and Board President

Your donation to the Arts Council helps us support artists, arts organizations, arts projects, arts education and so much more. As you plan your year-end giving, please consider joining our Circle of Giving.

December 21, 2017

Stephanie Joy Hogan Exhibition "Unknown Universe" to Open at the Arts Council on Jan. 12, 2018

The Arts Council is pleased to present an exhibition by artist Stephanie Joy Hogan. Working primarily with acrylic paint, inks, and paper ephemera Hogan intuitively creates semi-abstract paintings, often including illustrative details inspired by colors and shapes that are developed through layers and layers of experimentation.

December 20, 2017

Arts Council Offers Free WordPress Website-Building Workshop in 2018

The Arts Council is pleased to present this free smARTS website-building workshop to its dues-paying members. Lansing blogger and cartoonist Daniel J. Hogan (danieljhogan.com and clattertron.com) will share steps to easily create an artist website using the content management system, WordPress.

December 20, 2017