Biddle Gallery - Wyandotte, MI

Carol Reid - Part 2 - Pathway Patterns - Biddle Gallery - Wyandotte, MI ...

2012-02-17T10:57:00.000-08:00

Carol Reid - Part 1 - Pathway Patterns - Biddle Gallery - Wyandotte, M...

2012-02-17T10:55:00.000-08:00

Conversations with Parts: A Pathway Pattern Interactive Activity

2012-02-10T08:54:00.000-08:00

Biddle Gallery
Saturday, February 11, 2012
1:00PM-4:00PM

Compose Conversations Between the Parts
What would they say if they could talk?
Write their words; write their story

Select from hundreds of parts, each with their own unique personality and write a conversation between them, or write a story (see attached YouTube video of story by Brittany Reid).

Pathway Patterns Interactive Art

2012-02-06T07:13:00.000-08:00

Building a Mandala and Playing with Polygons at Biddle Gallery on Sunday, January 29, 2012

2012-01-30T08:32:00.000-08:00

Playing with Polygons: Build a Mandala

2012-01-24T07:18:00.001-08:00

Playing with Polygons
January 20 through February 17, 2012.
The fun is just beginning.
Creative participatory events are scheduled throughout the run of the exhibit.

Build a Mandala Event
Sunday, January 29, 1 - 4 p.m.

A mandala is any of various geometric designs (often circular) symbolizing the cosmos or universe. Participants will choose from hundreds of geometric components to create a group pattern radiating from a center design on the floor in the middle of the gallery. This activity is open to people of all ages. The finished mandala pattern will remain in the gallery as part of the current exhibit.

Upcoming Playing with Polygons events include:
February 5, 1 - 4 p.m: Build Tabletop Patterns
February 9, 7 - 9 p.m: Poetry, Song, and Jazz Live
February 11, 1 - 4 p.m: Conversations with Parts

Playing with Polygons: A Pathway Patterns Interactive Exhibit

2012-01-03T11:28:00.000-08:00

Biddle Gallery
2840 Biddle Ave.
Wyandotte, MI 48192
734-281-4779
Gallery Hours: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, 11:00AM - 5:00PM
Contact Person: Carol Cook Reid 734-283-7996, pathwaypatterns@gmail.com, www.pathwaypatterns.com

Playing with Polygons

A Pathway Patterns Interactive Exhibition with Events By Carol Cook Reid and Friends

Opening Reception on January 20, 6:00 to 10:00 p.m.
Continuing through Closing on February 17, 6:00 to 10:00 p.m.

Playing with Polygons will open at Biddle Gallery in Wyandotte between 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. on Friday, January 20 and play through February 17. Visitors to the exhibit are invited to select parts to build patterns in a creative play arena. The parts include interactive components with geometric designs. During the opening, participants will build a wall pattern.

The exhibit will include completed works by the artist and collaborating friends, and incomplete works for on site participation by gallery visitors. The incomplete works will evolve through the run of the exhibit.

Several events will extend playtime in the gallery:

Build a floor mandala in the gallery center on January 29 between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m.
Create and connect tabletop patterns on February 5 between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m.
Hear poetry and song by downriver writers and musicians on February 9 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Write and post conversations between parts on February 11 between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m.

Join the artist in disassembling the patterns back into parts following the closing on February 17.

Carol Cook Reid is a social artist. She is the designer, maker, and facilitator of Pathway Patterns, an interactive art medium and process that brings people and art together to explore visual and social relationships, discover pathways, and build patterns. Pathway Patterns has been shared with over thirty diverse community groups and presented in Detroit Grand Rapids, Michigan and New York. Ms. Reid resides in Brownstown Township. She received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Art Education from Michigan State University, and taught elementary school art. Retiring in 2003, she resumed her education and art practice and recently completed a Masters of Arts Degree in Painting at Wayne State University in Detroit.

Pathway Patterns Description

Pathway Patterns is an interactive medium and process that brings people together with art.

The interactive medium is a collection of individual design parts. One hundred basic, bi-colored designs are based on one common skeleton. These designs are extended with reflections, color reversals, and twelve color combinations to provide more than two thousand parts. The parts are hand painted on 3” x 3” x1/8” wood squares. Individual parts present unique designs, but like many construction toys, they contain interactive potentials.

Visual relationships occur between parts at their meeting edges. Matching colors can extend shapes between parts to form pathways. The shape and direction of these pathways are determined by the relative placement of the parts. The aesthetic outcome depends on the relationship of each part to previously placed parts.

The interactive process promotes cooperation through shared decision-making. Participants make individual aesthetic choices as they select parts and connect them to parts placed by others. Over time and space, these choices form an ever-evolving foundation pattern of pathways that start, continue, stop, and restart between the past and the future - recording interactions between parts and participants. The outcome is a map of shared creativity, a temporary pattern formed from many parts by many hands. Extended patterns develop unplanned and unexpected images. Frogs, dinosaurs, birds, fish, horses, acrobats, dancers, trees, and flowers emerge to amuse both participants and viewers.

Pathway Patterns engages people with diverse life experiences, perceptions, and expectations, and has been presented in a variety of settings including schools, a hospital, fine art gallery, soup kitchen, executive office, bicycle repair shop, library, factory, city park, senior center, municipal center, university student center, family dining room, and nursing home; on the floor, a wall, and tabletops.

Constructing from the simple to the complex, and being a part of a greater whole appeals to everyone. The aesthetic challenge inspires both artists and non-artists. Some people are content to place one part; others may join together to work for hours. Some participants return day after day and experience the gradual progress of a pattern.

Patterns can evolve for forty-five minutes, a day, a week, month, or more. The pattern will grow to fill whatever time and space is available. In small spaces, patterns may be completed and rearranged in the same space for different outcomes. The patterns are never the same. In a large space with a long exhibition time, a pattern may continue to develop over several days or weeks before being disassembled back in to individual parts.

Dan Saultman Pottery Show & Sale on Friday, December 23, 11AM-8PM

2011-12-19T12:20:00.000-08:00

n the 1500’s, Germany passed laws that required all food and beverages be covered due to seasonal invasions of swarms of flies to the region and the recent memories of the horrible Black Plague. The result of these two calamities was the invention of a covered beer mug. Stoneware steins gained great popularity up to the 1700’s. Dan Saultman's stoneware beer steins are made with a special "white stoneware" that is a cross between porcelain and regular coarse stoneware. It is a strong, tough fired clay. His beer stein design is a nod to tradition. The lid, made from hand made stainless steel hinges, swings smoothly and has a stop-rod that keeps the lid open, in a balanced vertical position, for easy handling.

Dan Saultman produces one-of-a-kind ceramic art pieces for those who appreciate the handmade beauty of ceramics as an art form. Coaxing clay into art takes time and years of practice, science, and careful glaze testing. All glazes are mixed by hand from scratch. Dan uses white stone fired at 2300F in a gas kiln - no automation, just careful monitoring of the kiln yields beautiful glazes with opalescent level of color and depth that are tough enough to stand up to daily use.

In addition to the beer steins, Dan will have mugs, bowls, tumblers, teapots, and an array of functional pottery available to purchase for that special someone on your Christmas list.

Holiday Gift Show & Sale Friday, December 16, 11AM-9PM

2011-12-12T07:30:00.000-08:00

Friday, December 23rd, 11AM-9PM

Holiday Gift Show featuring handblown glass ornaments, bowls, flowers, and jewelry by Barb Yerace; ceramic mugs, bowls and tiles by Nicole Pangas; plush monsters, mosaics and paintings by Joey Merchant; weaving demonstration and sale by Michael Daitch; and fiber artist Dolores Slowinski.

Joey Merchant's passion for mosaic was sparked during her travels through Italy, Greece, Turkey, Israel and Egypt. Inspired by ancient Greek, Roman and Byzantine mosaics, cathedrals and mosques her work ranges from large-scale custom installations to small accents for the home; from intricate replicas of ancient Roman mosaics to fun, spontaneous sculpture. The mosaics are constructed from broken china, Italian vitreous glass tile, stained glass, ceramic, and found objects. Joey also sews handmade plush monsters, bags and accessories. She finds inspiration from Japanese animation Pucca, as well as Japanese toy companies Sanrio and SAN-X. Joey adores all things "Kawaii", which means, "super cute" in Japanese.

Fiber artist Michael Daitch will demonstrate and create scarves on his loom. He created the "Tallitot Project" to teach hand weaving to pre-Bar/Bat Mitzvah students throughout the Jewish community. He has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Eastern Michigan University and is an accomplished weaver.

Nicole Pangas's work explores abstract image making through a variety of materials and methods including painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture and clay. She recently created one of a kind, high fired stoneware skull cups and other unique ceramics, as well as a series of "Mantra Tiles" - tiles with everyday sayings and musings. Nicole earned her BFA at the Cleveland Institute of Art. She also attended the University of Illinois, Champaign and Lacoste School of the Arts, France. Nicole was as an artist in residence at Pewabic Pottery in Detroit. She has taught at the Cleveland Institute of Art, Champaign Park District, IL and in Detroit at Pewabic Pottery, Your Heritage House, and The College for Creative Studies.

Barbara Yerace has been refining her glass-blowing and expanding her art into sculptures with bronze, re-used wooden objects and hot glass to create strong, visually compelling pieces. Yerace was educated at the Studio of Corning Museum of Glass, Corning, New York, Ohio State University, Pilchuck Glass School, Seattle, Washington and has a B.F.A. from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA.

Dolores Slowinski's works include drawings in oil pastel, hand-felted wool and thread pieces, hand-felted wool forms, and collaged structures. Often combining whimsy and unusual art forms, Ms. Slowinski's works are both visually pleasing and thought provoking.

John Benson at Biddle Gallery

2011-11-30T08:16:00.000-08:00

John Benson Lino-cut demo and sale at Biddle Gallery on Saturday, December 10, 11-4. Prints starting at a mere 2.00!

For the past 40 years John Benson has been making linoleum block creations – prints, greeting cards, and specialties. He is drawn to the directness of the medium and the ability to create bold and subtle statements in a reasonably quick manner. Carving linoleum blocks has allowed John to explore a wide variety of subjects from natural history to theological statements and develop his design vocabulary of line and pattern. John also likes the fact that with linoleum block printing he can produce hand-made artwork that anyone can afford.

John's anniversary portraits started out as a challenging commission in 2009 but have since become an intriguing exercise in trying to develop a recognizable image using an economy of line and mass. They celebrate the significant anniversaries of various people, famous, notorious, and those who should be better known. In the faunal prints he is especially attracted to the boldness of natural forms and patterns. The disruptive patterning of zebras, either en masse or alone, John finds especially interesting. His range of natural history inspired cards and prints continue to expand as he learns more about the world in which we live.

Portraits include Poe, Darwin, Twain, Lizzie Borden, Gustav Mahler and Anton Chekhov. The animal portraits include 9 different zebra pieces, 2 armadillos, 2 different penguins, 3 different lion fish several different owls, and 2 different buzzard pictures.

"Donald Cronkhite: Before the Storm" from start to finish...

2011-11-14T07:25:00.000-08:00

Donald Cronkhite's: Before the Storm from blank canvas to finished painting.

Donald Cronkhite "Before the Storm"

2011-11-11T07:47:00.000-08:00

Donald Cronkhite oil on linen "Studies" now available

2011-11-01T06:20:00.000-07:00

Oil on linen "studies" by Donald Cronkhite now available. Prices for original paintings start at 55.00 for 8" x 10" unframed oil on linen.

In the context of painting or fine art, a "study" is the term used for a practice piece, a quick painting done to capture the essence of a subject or scene, or a painting done to try out a composition, rather than a painting done as a final piece. A study is more refined or finished than a sketch.

A study can include the entire composition (everything that will be in the final painting) or just small sections. The reason for doing a study of a section is that you then focus on one particular part of a subject, and only this, until you get it working to your satisfaction. Then (in theory), when you start painting on the bigger subject, you know what you're doing (with that bit anyway) and don't end up frustrated by one small part of a painting. It also avoids the problem of having a section of the painting overworked, which can can look incongruous.

Donald Cronkhite: Before the Storm

2011-09-14T10:26:00.000-07:00

Biddle Gallery
2840 Biddle Avenue
Wyandotte, MI 48192
734-281-4779
www.biddlegallery.com
Contact Person: Donald Cronkhite donaldcronkhite@yahoo.com

Donald Cronkhite: Before the Storm
September 30 – November 30, 2011
Gallery Talk Every Sunday in October from 2:00PM-5:00PM

Biddle Gallery is pleased to announce an exhibition of oil paintings by Detroit-area artist Donald Cronkhite. Donald will give informal talk every Sunday from 2:00-5:00PM discussing his technique, materials used, and influences.

Cronkhite’s large-scale paintings capture cloud formations in the moments before a storm, focusing on form, color, and contrast. His contemporary handling of a traditional subject matter conjures scenes of wild beauty with great depth of feeling. Though the pieces are powerful in scale, they require close examination to observe all the subtle variations in color and tone. Simultaneously realistic and abstract, the pieces offer much to the contemplative viewer.

Inspired by 17th century Dutch painters, Rembrandt in particular, Donald has lately taken interest in the vibrant colors and brush strokes of early to mid 20th century modern art. “I like to use soft, fluid brush strokes in parts of my paintings, and loose, irregular brush strokes in other areas. Sometimes loose brushwork presents a greater illusion of realism than a work that’s completely polished.”

Donald Cronkhite has exhibited in galleries in metro-Detroit, Chicago, New York, and San Antonio.

More information about Donald Cronkhite:
http://www.donaldcronkhite.com

Event Hours Effective October 8:
Tuesday - 6:00PM to 8:00PM
Wednesday - 6:00PM to 8:00PM
Thursday - 11:00PM to 8:00PM
Friday - 11AM-5:30PM
Saturday - 11AM-3PM
Sunday - 2:00PM to 5:00PM
Or by appointment. To arrange an appointment, contact Donald Cronkhite at donaldcronkhite@yahoo.com

Big Sale!

2011-08-17T05:42:00.001-07:00

Fiber Trilogy

2011-08-15T09:13:00.000-07:00

“Fiber Trilogy,” featuring fiber work by Marion Melody, Andrea Irwin, and Sharlet Di Giorgio.

August 26 - September 16, 2011

Artist reception is August 26th, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Live performance by Joe Yankee and John Hall

Marion Melody works primarily in flax and hand-made papers, forming sculptures, books, and wall-hangings. She also has extensive experience in dying and printing fabrics.

Andrea Irwin, intrigued by signs and symbols, created a series of needle-felted wall-hangings. Each piece is meant to represent a sacred landscape as viewed from space.

Sharlet Di Giorgio interprets nature by using needle-felted wool, beads, and antique silk. She further embellishes the sculptural surfaces with stitching, such as rushing, tucks, and trupunto.

Coming 8.13.11 to Biddle Gallery

2011-07-29T07:10:00.000-07:00

Live performances by Diarrhea Planet, Big Surr, and Deadbeat Beat. Check 'em out!

Diarrhea Planet- Aloha by Evil Weevil Records

Deadbeat Beat live @ Biddle Gallery 8.13.11

2011-07-29T03:56:00.000-07:00

Deadbeat Beat will perform live @ Biddle Gallery along with Diarrhea Planet, and Big Surr 8.13.11

Big Surr to Perform Live @ Biddle Gallery 8.13.11

2011-07-29T03:41:00.000-07:00

Here you will face Gods

2011-07-28T11:20:00.000-07:00

Biddle Gallery Wyandotte MI 48192 640x480

2011-07-28T11:19:00.000-07:00

Selection of art @ Biddle Gallery Wyandotte Michigan - #1

2011-07-28T02:25:00.000-07:00

Biddle Gallery Theremin concert

2011-07-28T02:22:00.000-07:00

Charlie Slick @ the Biddle Gallery - Coconut Man 7-18-08

2011-07-28T02:17:00.000-07:00

Brown Gravy Boys

2011-06-06T07:19:00.000-07:00

3rd Friday @ Biddle Gallery
Brown Gravy Boys
June 17, 7:00-9:00PM

The Brown Gravy Boys are a Michigan based string band of friends and rambling musicians consisting of Bruce Morse, Owain Morse,Chris Baig, Aaron Jozsa, Chris Musulin, and Eric McLaughlin. Their music consists of country blues, early rock & roll, folk, spirituals, bluegrass, and improvisation. There are several lead singers, along with some two and three part harmonies. They like to play other people's songs, some of their own, as well as traditional songs. In addition to multiple guitars picking, you will often hear mandolin, banjo, and harmonica. For more information about the Brown Gravy Boys, visit their web site http://www.reverbnation.com/#!/thebrowngravyboys

Biddle Gallery features original artwork by over 100 Michigan artists.

Art Party!

2011-05-10T06:08:00.000-07:00

Art Party!
Friday, May 20, 6:00-9:00PM
Saturday, May 21, 11:00AM-3:00PM
Jewelry, Art and Furniture by Shawn Stachel, Dianne Arnendsen, Vanessa Morse and Peter Stachel

Shawn Stachel was born in 1982 in Wyandotte, and grew up on Grosse Ile. He is a self-taught artists drawing his inspiration from his love of animals and nature.. His style is folk art and he loves to paint, carve and sculpt - mostly fish,bears, birds and totems. Shawn loves color and has a dynamic style of intense contrasts. He also designs tables, chairs and benches. Shawn has a love of extreme sports and lived in Jackson Hole, Wyoming and Lake Tahoe, California, but now resides in Wyandotte. He has successfully been represented by Biddle Gallery for 5 years and was the impetus for this event featuring other members of his talented family.

Shawn's mom, Dianne Stachel Arendsen completed her Fine Arts Degree at Wayne State University in the 1970's with a major in oil painting. She also spent time studying in Italy. Dianne was drawn to fiber art for many years and is now inspired with tiny beads and the unlimited possibilities they hold. She is a social worker at Wyandotte Hospital and lives on Grosse Ile.

Shawn's sister, Vanessa Morse uses the finest elements to create unique jewelry. Her studio, Blow Fish creates fused, lampwork and precious metal clay original designs. Her motto is "find your light" - believing the world is a better place when people find their "light" or hobby. Vanessa creates unique, handmade pieces inspired by nature, her travels and friends. Vanessa is a teacher in Melvindale. During the summer Blow Fish Studio participates in Wyandotte Street Art Fair, Arts and Orchard, and the Arts and Apple Festival.

Shawn's dad, Peter Stachel is a studio-designer and landscaper. He studied engineering, business and art at Wayne State University. He worked as an arborist for the City of Detroit before starting his own business - a custom furniture and design shop. His furniture is on display at the Detroit Institute of Arts, Cranbrook, and for the past two years, Biddle Gallery. He currently resides on Grosse Ile where he is the owner of Stachel Designs where he designs decks, patios,landscaping, kitchens, baths, and custom furniture.

People & Other Beasts

2011-04-27T07:18:00.000-07:00

Biddle Gallery
2840 Biddle Avenue
Wyandotte, MI 48192
734-281-4779
www.biddlegallery.com

People & Other Beasts
Linoleum Block and Lithographic Prints by John R. Benson including the first public showing of the anniversary Portraits
April 30 to May 31, 2011

Opening Reception
Saturday April 30th, 11AM - 3PM

For the past 40 years John Benson has been making linoleum block creations – prints, greeting cards, and specialties. He is drawn to the directness of the medium and the ability to create bold and subtle statements in a reasonably quick manner. Carving linoleum blocks has allowed John to explore a wide variety of imagist subjects from natural history to theological statements and develop his design vocabulary of line and pattern. John also likes the fact that with linoleum block printing he can produce hand-made artwork that anyone can afford.

John's anniversary portraits started out as a challenging commission in 2009 but have since become an intriguing exercise in trying to develop a recognizable image using an economy of line and mass. They celebrate the significant anniversaries of various people, famous, notorious, and those who should be better known. In the faunal prints he is especially attracted to the boldness of natural forms and patterns. The disruptive patterning of zebras, either en masse or alone, John finds especially interesting. His range of natural history inspired cards and prints continue to expand as he learns more about the world in which we live.

Portraits include Poe, Darwin, Twain, Lizzie Borden, Gustav Mahler and Anton Chekhov. The animal portraits include 9 different zebra pieces, 2 armadillos, 2 different penguins, 3 different lion fish several different owls, and 2 different buzzard pictures.

Celebrate Romance

2011-01-28T07:36:00.000-08:00

Celebrate Romance
Friday, February 4, 7-8:30PM
Poetry Reading and Book Signing
Pietro DiGiorgio will read from his new book of poetry "Songs for My Love"

Poet Pietro Di Giorgio, 80, of Wyandotte will read from his new chapbook, “Songs for My Love,” during a special celebration of romance. Di Giorgio grew up in Dearborn, and taught English, literature and theater arts until he retired in 1988. He is a former president of the Dearborn Writers Guild, a member of the Downriver Poets and Playwrights. His work has been widely published. . The poetry in the book is for his wife, artist Sharlet DiGiorgio, who helped design the chapbook, which is published by Pietro’s small company, Poplar Press. The book can be purchased for $10, and the author will sign copies during the event. The poems are unabashedly romantic — “songs to the beauty of her essential soul,” he writes in a short introduction. In addition to the poetry reading, live music will be provided by Joe Yankee and Friends.

A drummer since childhood, Joe Yankee has worked many different venues and genres from playing in a rock and roll band he formed with brothers Steve and Jim in the late 60s-70s, to playing and singing in a dance band, to performing symphonic and liturgical music. But Joe's musical passion for most of his adult life has been in jazz, particularly straight ahead jazz and the cool sounds of Bill Evans, Kenny Burrell and early Miles Davis. Joe continues to expand his music knowledge and skills, and has recently begun private study with guitarist John Hall, with whom he often joins in performing for the Downriver arts community. He live in Allen Park with his very talented and beautiful wife, artist Martine MacDonald.

The celebration continues Saturday, February 5, 11:00AM-3:00PM Trunk Show and Lino-cut Demonstration featuring handmade cards and prints by John Benson, jewelry by Lisa Ackley, relief sculpture and jewelry by Elroy Grandy, and Pietro DiGiorgio will sign his latest poetry books, "Eloise" and "Songs for My Love".

John Benson finds inspiration from the ancient manuscripts of Western Europe and Ethiopia. From these and other sources he has developed his own vocabulary of meaningful designs - endless line of Celtic crosses, Ethiopian protective images, and Norse narrative figures. John also creates work in a more naturalistic manner in other seasonal and general images.

Elroy Grandy creates handmade relief sculptures and ceramic jewelry. He is currently Biddle Gallery's artist-in-residence.

Lisa Ackley is compelled to make things she can’t find. She's spent most of her life creating art and small treasures for friends and family, usually clever and always with a sense of humor. Lisa earned a BFA in sculpture from the University of Houston and Masters in Art Education at Wayne State University in Detroit. Lisa's designs are hand-drawn originals, inspired by Loteria (bingo) images from Mexico. Each polystyrene charm is hand crafted (no two are exactly alike), signed and dated, then sealed for protection. Glass beads and jewelry findings complete the look. The Loteria-Style is all about color and looking at words and objects in new ways; the fun part, of course, is matching them up into pairs/groups that mean something to the wearer and expresses the wearer’s individual personality.

Biddle Gallery
2840 Biddle Avenue
Wyandotte, MI 48192
www.biddlegallery.com

Purple Gang Portraits by Rick McQuaid

2011-01-10T10:23:00.000-08:00

Biddle Gallery
2840 Biddle Avenue
Wyandotte, MI 48192
734-281-4779
www.biddlegallery.com
Hours: Thursday-Friday 11AM-5:30PM, Saturday 11AM-3PM
Contact Person: Karen Thomas (cell phone: 734-776-8867)

Purple Gang
Gangster Portraits by Rick McQuaid
January 21 - February 5, 2011

Adopt a Gangster! Detroit's own hometown hoodlums of the Prohibition era - The Purple Gang - return to the Biddle Gallery Jan. 21. A new series of mug shot portraits of Sam "The Gorilla" Davis and his pals, plus other artistic curiosities by Rick McQuaid will be unveiled at Biddle Gallery during Wyandotte's 3rd Friday, January 21, 6-9PM.

Born close to the middle of the last century in Dearborn Michigan, Rick McQuaid's outsider art has been mystifying the Downriver art community for years. His work wanders over a peculiar range of styles; from melancholy ink drawings with a punk flavor, abstract compositions of recycled images, to Dada inspired irreverent anti-art.

Gulley Jimson, the great British abstract expressionist, once said of Rick's art, "McQuaid is my favorite American artist. If you have never seen his work, you should be ashamed of yourself. Stop leading a wasted life. I don't understand it myself, but I know what I like". High praise indeed!

Attached Images:
Sam Davis (color pencil on paper) by Rick McQuaid
Harry Altman (color pencil on paper) by Rick McQuaid

Holiday Sale!

2010-12-08T09:45:00.000-08:00

Holiday Sale
Friday, December 17, 6:00-9:00PM
Fantastic gifts for last minute shoppers. Trunk show featuring new Detroit photos by Sooney Kadouh - 15"x15" flush mount ready to hang only 80.00. Lino-cut demo and sale featuring cards by John Benson - a steal at only 2.00. Loteria style jewelry hand crafted by Lisa Ackley. Eloise Poetry Book signing by Pietro DiGiorgio - only 6.00! Elroy Grandy jewelry demonstration and sale. Pottery by Rose Lewandowski.

Biddle Gallery
2840 Biddle Avenue
Wyandotte, MI 48192
734-281-4779
www.biddlegallery.com

Pathways by Carol Cook Reid

2010-05-12T12:57:00.000-07:00

Biddle Gallery will host a Pathway Patterns by Carol Cook Reid and Roosevelt Marching Chiefs Fundraiser
Friday, May 21 between 6:00 and 9:00 pm.

A foundation pattern composed by the artist will be installed at the opening. Gallery visitors will be encouraged to add to this foundation. Hundreds of Pathway Pattern parts will be presented as choices to explore relationships between the parts, discover pathways, and build a community pattern of many parts by many hands. The pattern will continue to expand and evolve in an interactive installation at the gallery between May 21 through June 12, 2010.

Pathway Patterns by Carol Cook Reid is an evolving, interactive installation. Visitors are invited and encouraged to participate by extending -- and connecting -- fragments of patterns collected from 12 community groups into one integrated community pattern. Patterns were constructed by staff or participants in the following: Bowen Branch Library, NW Activity Center, Cass Technical High School, Children's Hospital of MI, Project Challenge - Focus:HOPE, Friends School-Detroit, General Motors Hamtramck Assembly plant, The Hub of Detroit, the N.O.A.H. Project-Central United Methodist Church, Wayne State Univ. Student Center, and the YMCA of Metro Detroit.

During this event, Bearclaw Coffee Co® of Brownstown will donate 20% of coffee bag sales to the Roosevelt Marching Chiefs. Fresh coffee will be served and donations accepted. Bearclaw Coffee is owned by former Lincoln Park resident Laura Chinavare Smith. Laura and her husband, Jim Smith opened their franchise located at 24146 Sibley Road in 2007. They have expanded their coffee bag sales to include fundraising opportunities for various schools in the metro Detroit area.

The Roosevelt Marching Chiefs are in desperate need of new uniforms. Their 90 usable uniforms are not sufficient to suit their 100 plus members and many of these uniforms have missing buttons, holes, and stains that cannot be removed. After many fundraisers and individual contributions, the Wyandotte Music Boosters were able to raise 25,000.00 towards the purchase of 150 new band uniforms. Twenty thousand dollars more is needed to pay off the balance. Band members will perform at Biddle Gallery during this event.

Pathways will continue to grow and evolve through June 12, 2010

Mother's Day Gift Show

2010-04-29T09:24:00.000-07:00

Biddle Gallery
2840 Biddle Avenue
Wyandotte, MI 48192
734.281.4779
www.biddlegallery.com
Hours: Tuesday-Friday 11AM-6PM; Saturday 11AM-4PM

Mother's Day Gift Show
Saturday, May 8, Noon - 4:00PM.
Linoleum cut demonstration by John Benson, cookies by Paula Quattrin, ceramic mermaids by Jen Hutchison, necklaces and tiles by Elroy Grandy.

A self-taught artist, John Benson finds inspiration from the ancient manuscripts of Western Europe and Ethiopia. From these and other sources he has developed his own vocabulary of meaningful designs; endless line of Celtic crosses, Ethiopian protective images, and Norse narrative figures. John also creates work in a more naturalistic manner in other seasonal and general images. John's Valentine's cards sell for a mere 2.00 and are suitable for framing. John works and lives in Detroit.

Wyandotte artist Elroy Grandy will have his ShareWare available, which are fired clay necklaces in matching sets, ranging from two to eight, and are great gifts for family or friends.

Denied an Easy Bake Oven as a child, Paula Quattrin learned to bake and perfected her cookie recipes in her mother's kitchen. She is now sharing them with the public under the name Puttin' on the Chips! Better than a box of chocolates. Paula resides in Lincoln Park.

A former student of the Center of Creative studies in Detroit, Grosse Ile resident Jen Hutchison has been dreaming about mermaids and the water creatures that inhabit their world ever since she was a child. Jen is nationally known for her one-of-a-kind clay tiles and decorative pieces.

Biddle Gallery features handmade work by over 100 Michigan artists.

Denali the Dog

2010-04-05T11:11:00.000-07:00

Biddle Gallery
2840 Biddle Avenue
Wyandotte, MI 48192
734.281.4779
www.biddlegallery.com
Hours: Tuesday-Friday 11AM-6PM; Saturday 11AM-4PM
contact person: Karen Thomas

Meet Denali the Dog and WAG Fundraiser
Friday, April 16, 6:00-9:00PM

Biddle Gallery is hosting a show for the "Denali the Dog" line of greeting cards. The cards are created by photojournalist Madalyn Ruggiero. The cards sell for $3.75 and feature whimsical poses of Ruggiero's golden retriever, Denali. All proceeds from card sales that night will be donated to Wyandotte Animal Group (WAG). Several of WAG's adoptable dogs will be featured during a special event outside Biddle Gallery, 2840 Biddle, Wyandotte, from 6 to 9 p.m, Friday, April 16

In October 2001 while living in Pennsylvania and working as a photographer for a newspaper, Madalyn Ruggiero welcomed into her life a golden retriever. She named him Denali - after the mountain not the car. Being creative, for the holiday season she decided to dress Denali and send it out to family and friends as a greeting card. It was very simple back then, with just a bow around his neck and some funny ears. Year after year, her family always eagerly awaited their Denali card. With suggestions from family and friends she decided to take it to the next level. Over the past few years Denali and Madalyn started a very small greeting card business.

People are always amused with Denali's photo's and patience. Everyone always ask, if it's a real dog. YES! she tells them as they look at her oddly. Some days, Madalyn layers two or three different items of clothes on Denali along with glasses and a wig. To save money she uses her own clothes, rummages threw her parents closet and visits thrift shops. Denali, if in the mood, will sit for Madalyn, eyeing that treat in her hand as she takes his photo. It's just the two of them. She rewards him with love, hugs and doggie treats.

Denali's photos are all individual portraits that Madalyn takes in a spare bedroom in her home which she converted into a makeshift studio. The words for his cards are given to her from family and friends. When she completes a new Denali photo she sends it to a few friends for words suggestions. From their, Madalyn sends out word suggestions to a test audience, which is family and friends and they help her decide which words to use.

Denali's cards are being sold in over 20 stores in 5 states. Check out his web site and blog at www.denalithedog.com and you can become a fan of his on facebook.

Madalyn Ruggiero is a Toledo, Ohio based freelance photographer. A graduate of Bowling Green State University with a B.F.A in Fine Arts, Ruggiero currently shoots for a variety of print outlets including the Detroit Free Press, Detroit News and the AP. Ruggiero, a long time Dorthea Lange follower, aims to show the human side of her subjects. Her goal is to treat every assignment with respect and to present readers with images that challenge the eye and tell a vivid story. Ruggiero's career has included a staff photographer position with the Times Leader in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. and a stint as a freelancer with the Morning Call in Allentown, Pa. A return to Ohio led to a photo desk and temporary photographer position with The (Toledo) Blade. Most of Ruggiero's current work can be seen on the pages of the Detroit daily newspapers. However, she's been busy covering assignments for the Chicago Tribune, People Magazine, Washington Post and The New York Times.

Meet Madalyn and Denali and check out some of WAG's dogs who are looking for a second chance while perusing some of the funniest cards you'll ever see.

For more information on the cards, click here. For more information on the photographer, click here.

Attached Image
Denali the Dog (photo credit: Madalyn Ruggiera)

Cats and Pandas, Oh My!

2010-03-10T08:34:00.000-08:00

Biddle Gallery
2840 Biddle Avenue
Wyandotte, MI 48192
734.281.4779
www.biddlegallery.com
Hours: Tuesday-Friday 11AM-6PM; Saturday 11AM-4PM

Cats and Pandas, Oh My!
New work by Mary Iverson
Friday, March 19, 6-9PM

Meet Mary Iverson and buy her incredibly affordable original artwork at Biddle Gallery during Wyandotte's 3rd Friday, March 19, 6-9PM.

A lifelong Detroiter, Mary Iverson received her BFA in art from Wayne State University. The scope of Mary's creativity has ranged from making jewelry with clay and found objects, film editing - including a short film about dance for the Degas exhibit at the DIA, and freelance illustration. Mary's design and illustration work includes a poster for the Dally in the Alley and covers for the Metro Times. Current passions are bringing her characters to life through painting and creating comics for her alter ego Jazz Katt.

Some really important things to know about Mary Iverson:
• She likes FREE stuff
• There are currently 848 songs on her ipod
• She's a Bigfoot skeptic

Attached Images (photo credit: Mary Iverson)
Fierce Pink
One Flash
Panda Go!

Dillwyn's at Biddle Gallery

2010-02-23T13:45:00.000-08:00

According to local faerie folklore a Dillwyn is the distant cousin of an Irish Goblin. The Dillwyns immigrated to North America from the Celtic Otherworld after the Roman invasion of ancient Ireland. Most settled in the great oak forests that once covered what would one day be known as The State of Michigan.

Dillwyns avoided all contact with humans until they discovered the existence of Red Licorice, a confectionery treat that has an intoxicating effect upon the central nervous system of any Dillwyn. It is believed that the first Red Licorice raid on a candy store by the Dillwyns took place in Wyandotte about 1890.

These strange little creatures are powerful spell-weavers. By merely raising it’s arms and wiggling it’s fingers in certain mystical patterns a Dillwyn can change colors like a chameleon, summon lightning, make snails sing, bring great luck or misfortune to humans, and more than a thousand other magical diversions.

After months of midnight negotiations and the exchange of over 100 lbs. of Red Licorice, Biddle Gallery can now offer a limited edition of the first genuine portraits created by Rick McQuaid of a Dillwyn known to exist anywhere in the modern world.

For a long time Rick McQuaid's interest in creating art was secondary to his desire to write and become a published poet. Rick's abstract art has been a way to move beyond the words and rhythmic structure of a poem into a deeper subconscious realm of expression based on color and random form.

Rick experiments with different forms of expression to keep himself interested and motivated. Many of his pieces are comical Dada influenced anti-art that tries to deflate the whole pretentious intellectual image the world of art represents to most people.

Valentine Gift Show

2010-02-08T11:25:00.000-08:00

Biddle Gallery
2840 Biddle Avenue
Wyandotte, MI 48192
734.281.4779
www.biddlegallery.com
Hours: Tuesday-Friday 11AM-6PM; Saturday 11AM-4PM

Valentine Gift Show
Saturday, February 13, noon - 4:00PM.
Linoleum cut demonstration by John Benson, cookies by Paula Quatrin, blown glass flowers by Barb Yerace, fused glass love tiles by Dani Katsir, and necklaces by Elroy Grandy.

Taking a glass-blowing class back in 1980 at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh left Barbara Yerace with a crystal-clear vision of what she hoped would someday be her livelihood. Inspired by wildlife, nature and color, Yerace creates a variety of decorative and functional glass objects, including tumblers, bowls, paperweights, rondelle plates and flowers shaped like morning glories.

A self-taught artist, John Benson finds inspiration from the ancient manuscripts of Western Europe and Ethiopia. From these and other sources he has developed his own vocabulary of meaningful designs; endless line of Celtic crosses, Ethiopian protective images, and Norse narrative figures. John also creates work in a more naturalistic manner in other seasonal and general images. John's Valentine's cards sell for a mere 2.00 and are suitable for framing.

Wyandotte artist Elroy Grandy will have his ShareWare available, which are fired clay necklaces in matching sets, ranging from two to eight, and are great gifts for family or friends.

Denied an Easy Bake Oven as a child, Paula Quatrin learned to bake and perfected her cookie recipes in her mother's kitchen. She is now sharing them with the public under the name Puttin' on the Chips! Better than a box of chocolates.

Biddle Gallery features handmade work by over 100 Michigan artists.

Season Finale

2009-12-17T07:30:00.000-08:00

Biddle Gallery
2840 Biddle Avenue
Wyandotte, MI 48192
734.281.4779
www.biddlegallery.com
Contact Person: Karen Thomas

2009 Holiday Show
November 27-December 24
Extended hours: Monday - Friday 11AM-8PM, Saturday 10AM-6:00PM, Sunday 11AM-4:00PM.
Great gifts by over 100 Michigan artists including new "Skull Mugs" by Nicole Pangas.

For those last minute shoppers, check out our upcoming events to close out our holiday season.

Trunk Show
December 18, 6:00-9:00PM
Photographs of Tiger Stadium and other Detroit Landmarks by Sooney Kadouh;
handmade silver jewelry by Juanita Bitonti of Lookie-Lookie.

Naughty and Nice
December 19, Noon - 4:00PM
New naughty paintings by Martine MacDonald; very nice glass blown ornaments, jewelry, wine stoppers, bowls, and flowers by Barb Yerace of Creative Glassworks; pottery by Tim Hutchison of Shiawasse Farm Pottery; felted jewelry by Sharlet DiGiorgio. Martine MacDonald will also sign her new book, Roadside Memorials.

Attached images:
Pottery by Tim Hutchison
Felted jewelry by Sharlet DiGiorgio
Tiger Stadium Photos by Sooney Kadouh
"Smoking Gauloises (oil on canvas) by Martine MacDonald

2009-11-30T12:42:00.000-08:00

Biddle Gallery
2840 Biddle Avenue
Wyandotte, MI 48192
734.281.4779
www.biddlegallery.com
Holiday Hours: Monday thru Friday 11AM-8PM; Saturday 10AM-6PM; Sunday 12PM-4PM

Trunk Show
December 12, Noon-5:00 PM
Weaving Demonstration by Michael Daitch; jewelry by Lisa Ackley; ceramic bowls, tumblers and mugs by Emily Duke; fused glass jewelry, bowls and ornaments by Dani Katsir.

Michael Daitch holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Eastern Michigan University and is an accomplished weaver. He created the "Tallitot Project" in 2004 to teach hand weaving to pre-Bar/Bat Mitzvah students throughout the Jewish community.

Attention to surface is imperative in Emily Duke's work. While embracing the softness of bare porcelains she also is extending her vocabulary with surface design. Glaze, self-printed decals, under glaze screen-printing, and china paint allow Emily to create atmosphere through color and pattern. She treats each cup, platter, and sculpture as its own, disregarding sets until all are complete. She enhances the form as if playing a game of connect the dots, paying attention to detail inside and out. Using these methods, no one piece is alike. Using clay as her medium Emily embraces her impulse to make objects and the nature to create order.

Lisa Ackley is compelled to make things she can’t find. She's spent most of her life creating art and small treasures for friends and family, usually clever and always with a sense of humor. Lisa earned a BFA in sculpture from the University of Houston and Masters in Art Education at Wayne State University in Detroit.

Lisa's designs are hand-drawn originals, inspired by Loteria (bingo) images from Mexico. Each polystyrene charm is hand crafted (no two are exactly alike), signed and dated, then sealed for protection. Glass beads and jewelry findings complete the look.

The Loteria-Style is all about color and looking at words and objects in new ways; the fun part, of course, is matching them up into pairs/groups that mean something to the wearer and expresses the wearer’s individual personality.

Born in Hungary in 1946, Dani Katsir immigrated to Israel as a child and grew up on a kibbutz where he bred sheep. He served in the Israeli Air Force and was about to begin his studies in architecture when the Yom Kippur War broke out. Dani returned to the Air Force and remained there until he retired as a Lt. Colonel in 1986. Dani had always known that his post-military career would involve working with his hands and for himself, but in what medium? In 1983, on a visit to Chicago, Dani walked into the Victorian home of friends, took one look at the beautiful stained glass windows, and found the answer. During his spare time over the next few years, Dani taught himself to work in stained and fused glass. In 1986, he moved to Michigan and became a full -time glass artist.

Dani explains his fascination with glass: Glass is magical. A work of glass is really many different works. Glass reflects, refracts, diffuses, and suffuses light. Light makes glass glow like molten jewels. A slight change of angle, and the color and density change. Every hour of the day, in every type of light and shade, from every angle, a glass object is constantly transforming. Glass welcomes light, shapes it, and guides it to our eyes. As an artist, I give form to the dramatic interplay of glass and light.

Biddle Gallery features work by over 100 Michigan artists.

Attached Images:
Puzzle Platter (fused glass) by Dani Katsir
Scarves (handwoven) by Michael Daitch
Jewelry by Lisa Ackley
ceramic cups and bowls by Emily Duke

Handmade in the Mitten

2009-11-25T13:07:00.000-08:00

Great gift for the holidays including these handmade ceramic Skull Mugs by Nicole Pangas

Extended Holiday Hours:
Monday-Friday 11AM-8PM
Saturday 10AM-6PM
Sunday Noon-4PM

Check out our web site for upcoming events www.biddlegallery.com

Biddle Gallery
2840 Biddle Avenue
Wyandotte, MI 48192
734.281.4779
www.biddlegallery.com

Holiday Trunk Show No. 1

2009-11-10T11:26:00.000-08:00

Trunk Show featuring Motawi Tile Works, Elroy Grandy, Maralena Howard, and lino-cut demonstration by John Benson.
November 20, 2009
6:00-9:00PM

Kicking off the Holiday Season with Trunk Shows and Demonstations! Nawal Motawi of Motawi Tile Works will be in the gallery with new tile designs, jewelry and ornaments; Lino-cut demonstration and sale featuring John Benson's greeting cards; jewelry and ceramic trunk show by Elroy Grandy; tiny abstract art by Maralena Howard - original mixed media on paper.

Since 1992, the artisans at Motawi Tileworks have hand crafted art tile in their Ann Arbor, Michigan studio. These distinctive tiles are known for their rich glazes and uniquely American designs, inspired by nature, art and architecture.

Motawi Tile uses locally produced clay and glazes mixed on site to their own recipes. Motawi's aesthetic influences include early 20th Century decorative artists such as Mary Chase Stratton, Adelaide Robineau, Louis Sullivan, C.F. Voysey,

A self-taught artist, John Benson finds inspiration from the ancient manuscripts of Western Europe and Ethiopia. From these and other sources he has developed his own vocabulary of meaningful designs - endless line of Celtic crosses, Ethiopian protective images, and Norse narrative figures. John also creates work in a more naturalistic manner in other seasonal and general images. John's cards sell for a mere 2.00 and are suitable for framing.

Wyandotte artist Elroy Grandy will demonstrate the art of making clay necklaces and tiles by pressing items such as shells, sticks or stones into the clay. Kids and adults alike are fascinated to learn how a little ball of clay turns into a beautiful necklace or tile that will be used and treasured for a lifetime. Elroy will have his ShareWare available, which are fired clay necklaces in matching sets, ranging from two to eight, and are great gifts for family or friends.

Also highlighted will be Elroy's fired clay tiles in various sizes and shapes, each with a beautiful original drawing impressed into the clay. These are perfect gifts for those who love ceramic items on the wall or for trivets and coasters.

Maralena Howard is a Michigan Fine Arts Artist. She paints with acrylic paints and adds special effects and depth to her work by incorporating small design images within her pieces - utilizing her own hand carved images and India ink. Oil pastels and watercolor also find their way into her beautiful and varied abstract paintings.

For the holiday gift show, Maralena has created a "Tiny Abstract" series - with pieces starting at $10 and up. Paintings range in size, 3x5, 4x6, 5x7 - each housed in an enclosed acrylic frame with magnet back to be affixed in home or office. Beautiful when matted and framed! Tiny - exquisite - one of a kind original works of art from an award winning Downriver artist.

Visit our web site www.biddlegallery.com for info on upcoming events.

Biddle Gallery

2840 Biddle Avenue

Wyandotte, MI 48192

734.281.4779

Halloweird Hallowbaloo

2009-10-05T08:54:00.000-07:00

Biddle Gallery

2840 Biddle Avenue

Wyandottte, MI 48192

734.281.4779

www.biddlegallery.com

Hours: call for times

Contact: Karen Thomas

Halloweird Hallowbaloo

October 16 - November 1, 2009

Mixed media show featuring robots, aliens, monsters, and scary TV's by Brent Harris, Davin Brainard, Rick McQuaid, Dave Moroski, John Benson, Lisa Ackley, Ryan Weiss, Topher Crowder, and more.

Live theramin performance and lino-cut demonstration during artist reception October 16, 6:00-9:00PM

The theremin is associated with an eerie sound, which has led to its use in movie soundtracks. The theremin is an early electronic musical instrument controlled without contact from the player. It is named after its Russian inventor, Professor Leon Theremin who patented the device in 1928. The controlling section usually consists of two metal antennas which sense the position of the player's hands and control oscillators for frequency with one hand, and amplitude with the other. The electric signal from the theremin are amplified and sent to a loudspeaker. Keeping with the spirit of the season, theremin master, Dr. Zin-Zin Electro, will perform a short recital. This rare U.S. appearance will center around musical compositions by michigan poet-composer, Glen Armstrong.

Lino-cut demonstration by John Benson. John Benson will create halloween cards right before your very eyes.

Lisa Ackley's Loteria Jewelry now available in new Halloween designs.

Oh yeah, Ruth Galko - creator of Scary TV's is in this show. She also came up with the title!

Event Photos and video courtesy of Rich Cieslowski:

http://everythingwyandotte.smugmug.com/Videos-Random/Biddle-Gallery-Halloweird/10022214_2vwn6#P-1-16

Grand Rapids Art Prize

2009-09-21T10:25:00.000-07:00

Biddle Gallery artist Ryan Weiss is competing for the Grand Rapids Art Prize. Of course, I'll be voting for Ryan and The GR8 and think you should too! Here is info on The GR8.

The Gr8

Artist bio: Ben Pozniak, George Eberhardt, Ryan Weiss, Zac Gorman, Reuben Gracia, Tom Peterson, Matt Geerling, and Scott Wygmans make up the GR8(the Grand Rapids 8). We all met and were educated here in Grand Rapids at Kendall college of art and design. We are trained in a wide range of disciplines from illustration, to sculpture, to motion graphics. We are here to show why the Grand Rapids is worthy of a world class art competition.

Artist statement: We would like to welcome the world to Grand Rapids. We love this town. Every single member of this team has found love, inspiration, education, and purpose in this city. It is our stated goal to represent the community that has provided us with so much, in the highest caliber. We seek to give back to our community with the gifts we were granted. We believe that competition inspires both creativity and productivity. We welcome this new challenge with open arms. Look for us at Art Prize. Expect no mercy.

the GR eight

About the work:
Title: Here you will face Gods
Art form: 2-D, Film / Video, Sound, Internet / Interactive, Performance
Medium: acrylic and latex paint
Year created: 2009
Description of work: This is a video of a Mural done outside Biddle Gallery in Wyandotte, Mi. All members working on the mural belong to the GR8. Click on the Website links to view the time lapse video we created for this project. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpFYAzFoATg http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3me_kSbhLk http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGmAB8Gkv_Q
Work statement: We feel that video and internet networking is key in the world of art today, and plan to embrace this fact. This is an example of what we plan to present for the final competition. We will be submitting another large mural, combined with interactivity, video, sculpture, and a documentary of the process. The combination of all this content with constitute the final project. See The GR8 @ Tron Productions Hopson Flats 212 Grandville Ave SW Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Venue description: This is a classic Grand Rapids industrial building that has been refurbished, while keeping true to its original design. The space has 14ft ceilings with exposed rafters, hardwood floors, bare brick walls, and large wooden columns. It is also located at ground level with windows on both the west and east end of the space. ArtPrize - Vote - Voting for ArtPrize is open to those who register in person. Help vote for the world's largest Art Prize.

2009-09-04T14:13:00.000-07:00

Biddle Gallery
2840 Biddle Avenue
Wyandotte, MI 48192
734.281.4779
www.biddlegallery.com
Hours: Call for hours

Jewelry and Handbag Trunk Show
September 18, 2009
6:00-9:00PM
Featuring one-of-a-kind handbags by The Magic Bag Lady Michele Kramp and Loteria Jewelry by Lisa Ackley.

Lisa Ackley is compelled to make things she can’t find. She's spent most of her life creating art and small treasures for friends and family, usually clever and always with a sense of humor. Lisa earned a BFA in sculpture from the University of Houston and Masters in Art Education at Wayne State University in Detroit.

Lisa's designs are hand-drawn originals, inspired by Loteria (bingo) images from Mexico. Each polystyrene charm is hand crafted (no two are exactly alike), signed and dated, then sealed for protection. Glass beads and jewelry findings complete the look.

The Loteria-Style is all about color and looking at words and objects in new ways; the fun part, of course, is matching them up into pairs/groups that mean something to the wearer and expresses the wearer’s individual personality.

Michele Kramp received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in apparel design and merchandising from Wayne State University. She founded The Magic Bag Lady, LLC in 2003. All MBL handbags are one-of-a-kind creations using recycled and reused fabrics.

Topher Crowder Now at Biddle Gallery

2009-08-20T11:34:00.000-07:00

I'm am thrilled to announce Topher Crowder's work is now available at Biddle Gallery. Topher has always loved the concept of storytelling through images. He finds inspiration in animated Saturday morning cartoons, vintage postcards, comic books of the 1960's and 1970's, and roadside billboards where he captures a collection of daily emotions and cryptic memories from his childhood.

The above images are:

Bat Man (ink on wood) 49.5"x 25.5" framed. This drawing is based on Bo Jackson's artificial hip.

Proverb 4:23 (ink on wood) 81.5"x 19.25" framed. This drawing is based on Barney Clark's mechanical heart.

Biddle Gallery

2840 Biddle Avenue

Wyandotte, MI 48192

734.281.4779

www.biddlegallery.com

Trunk Show and Artists Demonstrations

2009-08-12T08:13:00.000-07:00

Biddle Gallery
2840 Biddle Avenue
Wyandotte, MI 48192
734.281.4779
www.biddlegallery.com

Trunk Show and Artist Demonstation Featuring Steve Tracy, Juanita Bitonti, Patty Urda, and John Benson.
Friday, August 21, 6:00-9:00PM.

In the Winter semester of 2002, Steve Tracy started his formal art education with Doug Eggleston and John Wittershiem at Siena Heights University. Steve started with fabrication, casting, raising and spinning. He gradually gained the knowledge and skills he needed to create his works of art. Steve is self-taught in the art of Enameling and is still learning this craft. By the end of 2004 Steve was creating complete Faberge style eggs. In late 2006, Steve created a name for his objects of art THE TRACIAK COLLECTION (pronounced Thray-chek). To date THE TRACIAK COLLECTION consists of (22) Twenty-two different theme eggs.

Super fine silver jewelry by Juanita Bitonti of Lookie-Lookie. Juanita Bitonti is the owner/artist of Lookie-Lookie.com. She is an Art Clay Silver Certified Instructor and PMC Certified Artisan working in various media; including Fine Silver and 24/22k Gold & Keum Boo, Sterling Silver, hand-forged wire, polymer clay, resins, fused glass and gemstones.

Patty Urda of Two Rivers Tile will sign her open edition Wyandotte Indian Tile. This 4"x4" tile is based on a relief above the original entrance of Wyandotte Hospital. Patty graduated with a BFA in ceramics from Wayne State University. She worked in the glaze department of historic Pewabic Pottery in Detroit. In 1997, she founded Two Rivers Tile in Mt. Clemens, Michigan.

Printmaker John Benson finds inspiration from the ancient manuscripts of Western Europe and Ethiopia. From these and other sources he has developed his own vocabulary of meaningful designs - endless line of Celtic crosses, Ethiopian protective images, and Norse narrative figures. John also creates work in a more naturalistic manner in other seasonal and general images.

Al Gone!

2009-08-10T11:59:00.000-07:00

Al's internship at Biddle Gallery ended today. He sold 4 wee paintings, some pottery, and other fine handmade works of art while he was here. He refused to file, but he's quite the salesman so I overlooked his one act of insubordination.

Al was a joy to have around - greeting customers and rolling around the gallery in his ball marveling at all the talented Michigan artists we carry at Biddle Gallery. He even enjoyed my accordion playing! I'm missing him already.

Thanks Al!

Lola Visits Biddle Gallery!

2009-08-05T07:35:00.000-07:00

Lola’s Diary

August 1, 2009.

I’ve been feeling kind of down and depressed ever since I heard that the Taco Bell Chihuahua had passed away, so I was very happy to accept a friend’s invitation to take a trip to Wyandotte to visit one of the Down river’s creative hot spots, the Biddle Gallery.

As soon as we arrived I was welcomed into the Biddle Gallery by Karen Thomas, the director of this eclectic art emporium and a personal friend of mine. Before I could relax and enjoy some of her expert petting I explored every inch of the gallery to make sure there were no squirrels hiding anywhere. I consider squirrels to be a menace to society; they are rude, obnoxious, and like to drop acorns on a Chihuahua’s head when she is taking a nap in the back yard.

As usual there were many new and amazing works of art on display. There was a portrait of a dog that I liked so much I stood on my hind legs to take a closer look. There was a ceramic sculpture of a horse that fascinated me and I posed for a photograph next to it. I had a wonderful afternoon greeting customers, playing with Karen, and seeing her husband Ross who makes my heart skip a beat whenever he walks in the door. If Ross was 12 inches tall and had a tail all my dreams would come true.

I almost forgot to mention that I met a hamster named Al while I was at the Biddle Gallery. Hamsters are about as much fun as having your toenails clipped. They have no sense of humor. I think Al should have his cholesterol count checked, I am willing to bet it’s well into the danger zone. He supposedly has a “metabolic” condition. Metabolic my tail! Al is addicted to Cheetos and in a state of total denial. I like junk food as well as the next dog, but moderation is always the best policy.

New Gallery Assistant

2009-07-30T14:35:00.000-07:00

Biddle Gallery has a temporary gallery assistant. Al "the hamster" Urda will be spending the first week of August at Biddle Gallery while the Urda's are on vacation in Ludington. If Al sells some art he just may become a permanent employee!

Here are some fun facts and instructions for caring for Al.

STATS
Full Name – Alakazam
Breed – Campbell’s hamster (AKA Siberian)
Age – between 8 months and one year
Favorite Activity – exploring outside of cage
Favorite Food – millet, snap peas
Recently Discovered Talent – playing piano!

FOOD & WATER
one “lab block” and fresh spring water daily.
No treats or fresh vegetables required at this time.
No junk food! Al is recovering from a metabolic condition.
RX (0.05 cc Tinkle Tonic, at bedtime, until Aug 5th).

HOUSEKEEPING
Cage may be refreshed with wood chips as needed.
Cage may be wiped with warm water if needed.
No chemical cleaners or vinegar allowed!
Al is very clean and prefers to arrange his own nest.
Keep front gate secured with clips and ring lock.

OTHER
Hamsters are sensitive to heat and high temperatures - keep cage out of direct sunlight!
Hamsters have delicate little bones – please handle gently!
Exercise him twice a day - supervised play outside of cage, ball time.
If he disappears, block exits and put cup of seeds on floor.
Campbell’s hamsters are known for boxing and biting if disturbed in nest.
To remove Al from cage – place red cup by gate and allow him to climb in.

PLEASE NOTE
I have packed only the bare necessities for Al, knowing you are a minimalist. We left behind the three story cage, the hamster wheel, the large cardboard box with paper tubes, the car, the stagecoach, etc. Feel free to spoil him with TLC. What fun!

Couple Finds Love at Biddle Gallery

2009-06-19T10:44:00.001-07:00

By Andrea Blum

Amy Condon never expected her love of art to lead her to true love, but it did.

The 35-year-old Dearborn Heights woman had been on 23 first dates through an online matchmaking site before meeting her love match in Geoffrey Clarke, 35, of Madison Heights.

The two talked on the phone before arranging their first date for Sept. 19 of last year.

“Our first phone call was truly great and lasted two hours,” Condon said.

They agreed to meet at an art opening at Biddle Gallery in Wyandotte to start off their first date.

“That’s one of my favorite places, and I thought, at least if the company sucks, there’s something else to do,” Condon said with a laugh.

“But we started looking at art and joking with each other right away. From there, the conversation just sparked.”

After some time browsing and socializing at the gallery, the two wandered around downtown Wyandotte.

“We walked over to the water and took in the view,” she said. “Then we decided to stop and sit on a bench to talk more and just get to know each other better. On the bench next to us, there was a man playing love songs on his guitar to his wife.”

After leaving the waterfront, they spent time at a local bar before ending the date with a goodnight kiss.

“It was a great night and I really hoped he would call,” she said. “He sent an e-mail that night saying he had a nice time and we set up another date that Sunday.”

Clarke added: “Right off the bat she seemed like someone I could be comfortable with. She was happy, optimistic and easy to talk to.”

The two learned they had much in common and shared the same career goals, family values and the same faith.

When Amy walked in the 3-Day Breast Cancer event later that week, Geoff came to cheer her on and met some of her family.

“We knew right away that this was something special,” she said.

The relationship blossomed from there, and the couple got engaged in December. They plan to marry in the fall.

They recently returned to Biddle Gallery to re-create their first meeting and to have their engagement photos taken in spots around the city.

Condon, who has a nursing degree from Wayne State University and a master’s degree in nurse anesthesia from Oakland University, works as a nurse anesthetist at Oakwood Hospital in Dearborn.

Clarke studied nuclear engineering at the University of Michigan and works as a program manager for industrial supplies distributor Mesco.

“This is a case of two like souls who found each other at the right time, and it was a complete surprise,” he said. “I can hardly believe it happened.”

As for single people who might be hesitant to try the online dating world, Clarke encourages them to explore it.

“A lot of people are embarrassed to try new things, but they should get over any hang-ups they might have about it,” he said.

Having gotten a broad sample of people taking part in online dating, Condon recently began writing a book about her experiences titled, “24 First Dates or How I Met the Love of My Life.”

“People at work would ask me about this guy or that guy, and that’s how the idea of the book all started,” she said.

“We wouldn’t talk about the guys by name. They would joke with me and ask how things went with No. 8 and I’d say, ‘No, that was a long time ago. I’m on No. 12 now.’”

More than just a dating guide, Condon said the book serves as a memoir of what she learned on her journey.

“It wasn’t just about meeting each person,” she said. “Part of it was learning more about myself.

“I would get discouraged at the beginning when I was finding guys that were not my type or just losers, but toward the end, I was sort of rolling with it and it became a fun experience.”

She also encourages people still looking for their significant other to give the online world a chance.

“Sometimes you have to spice it up a little and take a chance,” she said. “If you keep doing the same thing, you’re going to get the same result.

“The person you’re looking for is out there.”

Art Collectors

2009-06-18T15:12:00.000-07:00

To everyone who thinks you have to have lots of money to start an art collection, read this article...

HERB & DOROTHY tells the extraordinary story of Herbert Vogel, a postal clerk, and Dorothy Vogel, a librarian, who managed to build one of the most important contemporary art collections in history with very modest means. In the early 1960s, when very little attention was paid to Minimalist and Conceptual Art, Herb and Dorothy Vogel quietly began purchasing the works of unknown artists. Devoting all of Herb’s salary to purchase art they liked, and living on Dorothy’s paycheck alone, they continued collecting artworks guided by two rules: the piece had to be affordable, and it had to be small enough to fit in their one-bedroom Manhattan apartment. Within these limitations, they proved themselves curatorial visionaries; most of those they supported and befriended went on to become world-renowned artists including Sol LeWitt, Christo and Jeanne-Claude, Richard Tuttle, Chuck Close, Robert Mangold, Sylvia Plimack Mangold, Lynda Benglis, Pat Steir, Robert Barry, Lucio Pozzi, and Lawrence Weiner. After thirty years of meticulous collecting and buying, the Vogels managed to accumulate over 2,000 pieces, filling every corner of their tiny one bedroom apartment. “Not even a toothpick could be squeezed into the apartment,” recalls Dorothy. In 1992, the Vogels decided to move their entire collection to the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC. The vast majority of their collection was given as a gift to the institution. Many of the works they acquired appreciated so significantly over the years that their collection today is worth millions of dollars. Still, the Vogels never sold a single piece. Today Herb and Dorothy still live in the same apartment in New York with 19 turtles, lots of fish, and one cat. They’ve refilled it with piles of new art they’ve acquired.

Now get on over to Biddle Gallery and start your collection!

Summer Solstice Show and Block Party

2009-06-11T12:13:00.000-07:00

Biddle Gallery

2840 Biddle Avenue

Wyandotte, MI 48192

734.281.4779

www.biddlegallery.com

contact person: Karen Thomas

3rd Annual Summer Solstice Show and Block Party

Friday, June 19, 2009 6:00-10:00PM

Celebrating the start of summer (a day or so early, but we're anxious to get it started after a long winter!) with new art work by nearly 100 Michigan. Live performance by Dune Buggy Attack Battalion. Movies by Davin Brainard, folk art animation by Dave Moroski, and others projected on the wall outside of Biddle Gallery. Block party with our neighbors at Biddle Avenue Florist, attorney Mike Trager, and Downriver Stone Design. Hotdogs and sushi will be served- what a combination!

Dune Buggy Attack Battalion is a rock'n'roll band from Ypsilanti, Michigan USA. The group was formed in a dimly lit Ypsi basement in 2001 by core members Jet Jaguar, Del Demoni, and Deguello. In 2009 former member J-Roc returned to the Battalion reuniting the classic lineup of the band. Dune Buggy Attack Battalion have released three albums; 2002's "Obscured By Clowns", 2004's "Children Of The Resurrection", and "Death In The Valley" in 2006. The group was the house band for the late great Rubber Soul record store/coffee house in Ypsilanti and in 2005 was voted "Best Rock Artist" in Washtenaw County by readers of Ann Arbor's Current Magazine.

Attached Image: We've Come a Long, Long Way Together (acrylic on board) by Ryan Weiss

Ryan Weiss is an illustrator and painter who graduated from the Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids. His work often juxtaposes vibrant candy colors against the muted tones of found wood and other industrial surfaces. The scenes he sets are surreal, and he mixes all these wonderful contrasting textures.

Attached Image: Untitled (photograph) by Justin Trupiano

Through his work Justin Trupiano strives to present a “fly on the wall” perspective and let the beauty of the scene speak for itself. An avid environmentalist, Justin is very interested in showing the natural beauty of his subjects. Whether they are organic or man-made everything has it’s own simplistic shape and beauty. In 2008, Justin spent a month backpacking around Italy where he became inspired by the simple way of life so prominent in Italy. He adopted the same simple and minimalist principals in his own life and tries to reflect that in his work.

Attached Image: Sun Dress (hand cut banana Thai paper) by Bea Reid and Dave Moroski.

Designer Bea Reid teamed up with her her printmaker/artist/filmmaker husband, Dave Moroski to create this one-of-a-kind hand cut dress made with banana Thai paper for Biddle Gallery's 3rd Annual Summer Solstice Show and Block Party.

The A/V Kids Experiment Vol. 3! wsg GR8

2009-05-20T11:45:00.000-07:00

Saturday, May 30, Noon - Dusk
The A/V Kids Experiment Vol. 3! Another sweet sensation for the experiences...

The A/V Kids consist of Ryan Weiss and Jason Rohler who are joined by rotating guest musicians and artists to combine improv music with live art. This will be the A/V Kids' third experiment and are proud to have Brian McGuire as one of the guest musicians and the GR 8 as their guest artists.

The GR 8 consists of eight diverse, up and coming artists who are all good friends. They love art and they love Michigan. They came together collectively to create art and to compete in the Art Prize Competition being held in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The GR 8 is Ryan Weiss, George Eberhardt, Ben Pozniak, Scott Wygmans, Reuben Garcia, Zac Gorman, Matt Geerling and Thomas Peterson. Check them out at http://gr8rulz.blogspot.com

The A/V 3 Experiment with special guests GR8 will be held at Biddle Gallery in downtown Wyandotte on Saturday, May 30th from noon till either the cops come or they run out of light.

So come one, come all and meet and greet and see and listen! Great friends, Great times!

Biddle Gallery
2840 Biddle Avenue
Wyandotte, MI 48192
734.281.4779
www.biddlegallery.com
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 11AM-6PM

Bags and Baubles at Biddle Gallery

2009-04-30T14:59:00.000-07:00

Biddle Gallery
2840 Biddle Avenue
Wyandotte, MI 48192
734.281.4779
www.biddlegallery.com
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11AM-6PM

Bags and Baubles
Trunk Show
Saturday, May 9, 12:00-4:00PM.

Fine jewelry by Juanita Bitonti of Lookie-Lookie, and one-of-a-kind handbags by Magic Bag Lady Michele Kramp. Great Mother's Day and Graduation gifts!

Juanita Bitonti is the owner/artist of Lookie-Lookie.com. She is an Art Clay Silver Certified Instructor and PMC Certified Artisan working in various media; including Fine Silver and 24/22k Gold & Keum Boo, Sterling Silver, hand-forged wire, polymer clay, resins, fused glass and gemstones.

Juanita studied Fine Art and Graphic Design in the Detroit Metropolitan area. Juanita loves to share her jewelry-making knowledge and techniques by teaching metal clay and wirework; placing emphasis on specialty techniques in the near future. She has studied jewelry & metal fabrication under renowned instructors, and inspired by various other prolific artists. She is knowledgeable in a wide range of materials and techniques, such as Metal Clay, Keum Boo, Altered Metals & Found Objects, Metalsmithing, Chainmaking, Polymer Clay and Fused Glass.

Juanita is a gallery artist who creates one-of-a-kind designs and limited-production jewelry. She is a member of Michigan Silversmiths Guild, Art Clay Society, PMC Guild, National Polymer Clay Guild, Great Lakes Beadworkers Guild and Metropolitan Detroit Polymer Art Guild.

Michele Kramp grew up in Canton, Michigan and graduated from Plymouth-Canton High School in 1987. Michele received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in apparel design and merchandising from Wayne State University.

Michele Kramp founded The Magic Bag Lady, LLC in 2003. All MBL handbags feature recycled and reused fabrics & findings. Her Spring collection features lush fabrics, unique patterns and beautiful birds. You'll find perfect pockets and unexpected linings inside each handbag.

Don't fret if you can't make it to the Trunk Show, Biddle Gallery features both artists throughout the year.

THE TRACIAK COLLECTION by Steve Tracy

2009-04-30T14:53:00.000-07:00

Biddle Gallery
2840 Biddle Avenue
Wyandotte, MI 48192
734.281.4779
www.biddlegallery.com
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 11AM-6PM

THE TRACIAK COLLECTION by Steve Tracy
Trunk Show
Friday, May 15, 6:00-9:00 PM

Steve Tracy's discovery and fascination with Faberge objects of art began in the late 1990’s. He started out painting plaster egg forms and embellishing them with rhinestones and chains. After decorating several plaster eggs he decided to attempt to make a real Silver egg.

In the Winter semester of 2002, Steve started his formal art education with Doug Eggleston and John Wittershiem at Siena Heights University. Steve started with fabrication, casting, raising and spinning. He gradually gained the knowledge and skills he needed to create his works of art. Steve is self-taught in the art of Enameling and is still learning this craft. By the end of 2004 Steve was creating complete Faberge style eggs.

In late 2006, Steve created a name for his objects of art THE TRACIAK COLLECTION (pronounced Thray-chek). To date THE TRACIAK COLLECTION consists of (22) Twenty-two different theme eggs.

Ryan Weiss w/ A/V Kids Experiment

2009-04-30T14:44:00.000-07:00

Ryan Weiss w/ A/V Kids Experiment
Saturday, May 30. Noon - 6:00PM.
Biddle Gallery
2840 Biddle Avenue
Wyandotte, MI 48192
www.biddlegallery.com

Ryan Weiss paints while his friends perform out on the sidewalk in front of Biddle Gallery as part of "Wu Wei Saturdays" .

Wu-wei refers to behavior that arises from a sense of oneself as connected to others and to one's environment. It is not motivated by a sense of separateness. It is action that is spontaneous and effortless. At the same time it is not to be considered inertia, laziness, or mere passivity. Rather, it is the experience of going with the grain or swimming with the current. Our contemporary expression, "going with the flow," is a direct expression of this fundamental Taoist principle, which in its most basic form refers to behavior occurring in response to the flow of the Tao.

Ryan says, "I'm not a hundred percent on the our roster/line up of who will be participating in it right now because we just confirmed the date between each other but I think we're going to ask Brian to come out again and Jason has two other people who he thinks would float the vibe well musically". Wu Wei!

In November 2008, Ryan had this real need to find a way to blend art and music together into one solid medium. This was sort of an experiment in that idea. So what he did was he took genius musicians Jason Rohler and Brian McGuire and surrounded them with all different kinds of instruments on the sidewalk of Biddle Gallery and let them go off. He also took Tom Jenkins and surrounded themselves with material and canvasses and went off. The idea was a complete collaborative effort using improv as the base. The images were fueled by the music and the music was fueled by the images.

This proved to be not only interesting on an audio level but also on a visual level. Seeing musicians playing two -three instruments at the same time is not something that happens often. There was amazing amounts of creative energy flowing; they could have worked all day, non-stop. Unfortunately they ran out of sunlight.

Ryan and the A/V Kids Experiment are back! You should come!

Peeps Show

2009-03-18T07:17:00.000-07:00

1st Annual Peeps Show
Artists Reception April 17, 2009, 6:00-9:00PM.

America' s favorite Easter marshmallow treat is the inspiration for this mixed media show featuring what else - Peeps! Participating artists include John Benson, Rick McQuaid, Ryan Weiss, Andrea Irwin, Davin Brainard, Sarah Lapinski, Dan Stewart, Juanita Bitonti, Joey Merchant, Tim Porter, Carl Oxley III, Betzi Pipis, Sharlet DiGiorgio, Karl Laub, Carol Reid, Tina Doepker, Carl Kumulski, Martine MacDonald, Michele Kramp, and more. Show runs through April 30th... or until they are all gone!

Masterpeeps, a series of 15 mixed media pieces by artist Martine MacDonald pokes fun at the academic side of art history. With an MA degree from Wayne State University, MacDonald sat through many slide presentations during art history class, memorizing names, dates and other relevant facts. Now, thanks to the wonders of photo show, Edvard Munch's, The Scream takes on new angst, and Andrew Wyeth's, Christina's World morphs into Peeps World.

If you think D.I.A. Director Graham Beal and the little marshmallow chicks have nothing in common you would be proven wrong by Rick McQuaid's festive tribute, Graham Beal with Peeps. Rick wonders if Mr. Beal will be able to maintain his classic British charm and stiff upper lip after suffering this artistic indignity, or tear off his bow tie and curse the Gods for his cruel fate?

Andrea Irwin's, Give Peeps a Chance pays homage to John and Yoko’s Bed -In of the 60’s. For Peeps ala Pollack Andrea smeared, chopped and dribbled paint over peeps and attached them to a canvas in a tribute to art icon Jackson Pollack. Then just for fun she made Peep Kebabs because she felt like skewering some of the poor innocent little critters. About her piece called Village Peeple Andrea states she simply had to do it!

Michele Kramp creates portable peeps handbags and keychains.

Images:
Peep Rings by Juanita Bitonti
Peeps Keychains by Michele Kramp
Peep by Tim Porter
Peep's World by Martine MacDonald
Give Peeps a Chance by Andrea Irwin
Graham Beal with Peeps by Rick McQuaid

Biddle Gallery features work by over 100 Michigan artists. Visit us soon and often!

Biddle Gallery

2840 Biddle Avenue

Wyandotte, MI 48192

734.281.4779

www.biddlegallery.com

Artist Overstock/Seconds Sale

2009-01-08T13:52:00.000-08:00

Artists Studio/Overstock/Seconds Sale!

A few of our artists are quite prolific and a few made some boo boos, so we decided to let you take advantage of this and purchase original artwork at rock bottom prices. Participating artists include Davin Brainard, Sarah Burger, Claudette Jocelyn Stern, Rick Pruckler, Judy Cho, and Jamie Easter.

Visit our red room for special savings on original artwork "Made in the Mitten".

Biddle Gallery

2840 Biddle Avenue

Wyandotte, MI 48192

734.281.4779

www.biddlegallery.com

Purple Gang Series by Rick McQuaid

2008-12-19T10:28:00.000-08:00

People who operate on the fringes of society have always held a fascination for artist Rick McQuaid.

It is that fascination that led him to his most recent, and what looks to be his most popular, series of work.

“I find local history interesting and am fascinated by extreme characters — people who operate outside of what is considered to be normal society,” McQuaid said.

The Purple Gang, a loosely organized collection of Jewish immigrants that ruled Detroit’s underworld in the late 1920s and early ’30s, fit that bill.

The gang was to Detroit what Al Capone and his gang were to Chicago.

Its murderous reputation made members suspects in everything from Chicago’s St. Valentine Day’s Massacre to the kidnapping of Charles Lindbergh’s baby.

Bootlegging, prostitution, gambling and drug dealing were some of the group’s pastimes.

During its blood-soaked reign, it was linked to about 500 murders.

McQuaid, of Dearborn Heights, was inspired to immortalize the legendary gangsters on canvas after coming across vintage mug shots in the book “Detroit’s Infamous Purple Gang” by Paul Kavieff.

McQuaid’s depictions are color cartoon versions of the black-and-white police photos.

He chose his first three subjects by doing a cross section of the gang members.

Finally, he settled on Abe Bernstein, who led the gang with his three brothers, mid-level lieutenant Harry Fleisher and street thug Sam “The Gorilla” Davis.

“Davis was so weird-looking, I had to include him,” he said.

“I liked the photo of Harry Fleisher because he looked like he had been slapped around by the police before his mug shot.”

Fleisher was one of three gunmen responsible for the infamous Collingwood Manor massacre, which led to the group’s ultimate demise.

According to history, he was a charming psychopath with a hands-on work ethic.

Davis, known for his odd-looking appearance, disappeared after escaping from the Ionia State Reformatory for the Criminally Insane.

“I want people to know that the Purple Gang are prime examples of the ‘banality of evil’ concept,” McQuaid said.

“Evil people don't look like monsters, they tend to be someone you would pass on the street without a second look.”

While the portraits are “cartoon” versions of police mug shots, McQuaid said he hopes to show the “bland soulless eyes of someone who considers murder to be just part of another day’s work.”

The three pieces were sold shortly after going on display at Biddle Gallery in Wyandotte, and McQuaid now is working on a second trio of portraits.

“There is a remarkable amount of interest in these gangsters,” he said.

“The second set I am now working on is going to go fast. It looks like I am going to be making these for a while.”

Each mixed media Purple Gang portrait is 7-inches-by-10-inches and sells for $100.

McQuaid is one of the local art scene’s true eccentrics, according to Biddle Gallery owner Karen Thomas.

“His work wanders over a peculiar range of artistic styles, everything from melancholy ink drawings with a punk flavor to Dada-inspired irreverent anti-art,” Thomas said.

His portrait of British punk rock legend Wreckless Eric was purchased by the artist himself this year.

McQuaid’s work will be available while it lasts at Biddle Gallery, 2840 Biddle Ave., Wyandotte. For more information, call the gallery at 1-734-281-4779.

Wyandotte Indian Tile

2008-12-18T14:25:00.000-08:00

Patty Urda of Two Rivers Tile Company will debut and sign her new Wyandotte Indian Tile during 3rd Friday, December 19, 6-9PM at Biddle Gallery. This 4x4 tile is based on the relief found over the original entrance of Wyandotte Hospital.

Patty Urda graduated from Wayne State University with a BFA in ceramics. She worked in the glaze department at Pewabic Pottery in Detroit. In 1997 she founded Two Rivers Tile Company in Mt. Clemens, Michigan.

Order your tile today!

Biddle Gallery

2840 Biddle Avenue

Wyandotte, MI 48192

734.281.4779

www.biddlegallery.com

Monkey Day

2008-11-19T13:30:00.000-08:00

Biddle Gallery
2840 Biddle Avenue
Wyandotte, MI 48192
734.281.4779
http://www.biddlegallery.com/

Monkey Day!
Sunday, December 14, 12:00-6:00PM

4th Annual Monkey Day Celebration at Biddle Gallery. Monkey Day is an annual celebration of all things simian. Paintings, tile, sculpture, handbags, pillows, etc, by artists Jerome Ferretti, Carl Oxley III, Rick McQuaid, Jessica Flint, Dave Moroski, Melody Ellis, Tara Hackett, Steve Miller, Terri Sarris, Mary Harrison, Kyle Raetz, Maralena Howard, Joey Merchant, Ryan Weiss, Davin Brainard, Dolores Slowinski, Brent Harris, and more. Free Banana with every purchase!

The true origins of Monkey Day are deeply shrouded in mystery. Some say that the Monkey Day movement began as a tool to further the awareness of simian species and habitats. Others say that Monkey Day began as a scientific backlash to all of the religious holidays permeating the month of December, an evolutionary finger to the creationist holidays. Still others say that the concept for Monkey Day was brought on by the drunken debauchery of several young hooligans with a special affinity for monkeys, spending the first Monkey Day tauting their simian virtues and screaming obscenities at the local pub. Whatever the conception, Monkey Day has evolved beyond any simple beginnings into a greater movement.

Although Monkey Day is mainly about monkeys (via wiki: A monkey is any member of either the New World monkeys or Old World monkeys, two of the three groupings of simian primates, the third group being the apes. Because of their similarity to monkeys, apes such as chimpanzees and gibbons are often called monkeys in informal usage, though they are not monkeys. Conversely, due to its size the Mandrill is often thought to be an ape, but it is actually an Old World monkey. Also, a few monkey species have the word "ape" in their common name. Because they are not a single coherent group, monkeys do not have any particular traits that they all share and are not shared with the remaining group of simians, the apes.), we feel it wouldn't be proper to exclude all primates from the joy of Monkey Day just because they swing on a different branch of the evolutionary tree. So, yes, occasionally you may see non-monkey simians invading and celebrating Monkey Day.

Made in the Mitten

2008-11-06T15:06:00.000-08:00

Holiday show featuring jewelry, tile, pottery, paintings, handbags, furniture, home and fashion accessories by over 100 Michigan artists.

Biddle Gallery

2840 Biddle Avenue

Wyandotte, MI 48192

734.281.4779

www.biddlegallery.com

Extended holiday hours starting November 28. Visit our web site for complete events listings.

Tiger Stadium photos by Dave Krieger

2008-10-29T13:33:00.000-07:00

These photos were shot over the last year as Tiger Stadium was sitting idle. There are 27 different photos available. Each 8"x 6" distressed photo is mounted on rusty metal. Photos are 75.00 each with 5.00 from each sale donated to the Detroit Tiger Stadium Conservancy.

Dave Krieger has been a photographer in Detroit, New York, Paris and LA for over twenty years.He has worked with numerous Advertising and Editorial Clients. He was nominated for a New York Times Magazine Story on Thai Kickboxing. He was in the 25th Anniversary Detour Magazine Show at Bulgari. Publications include, The New York Times Magazine, New York Magazine, Marie Claire, ESPN Magazine, Mademoiselle, The Source, Details, Detour, and Hour. Advertising Clients include, Young and Rubicam, Cambell Ewald and Brogan and Partners.

Celebrity photos include Ozzy Osborne, Andy Warhol, David Lee Roth, Mary J Blige, Tim Meadows, Adrian Lester, The Verve Pipe, Wilco, Roy Jones Jr., Willie Horton, Eminem, Craig Kilborne and Jim Carroll among many others.

Photos now available at Biddle Gallery. Order yours today!

Biddle Gallery

2840 Biddle Avenue

Wyandotte, MI 48192

734.281.4779

www.biddlegallery.com

STOP DEVIL'S NITE ARSON Posters by Davin Brainard

2008-10-18T07:50:00.000-07:00

You know how everyone in Detroit burns down empty buildings on DEVIL'S NITE??? Well the city puts posters up all over that say THIS BUILDING IS BEING WATCHED---I guess that stops the vandals. So in honor of DEVIL'S NITE in DETROIT Davin Brainard made two special posters!!! Signed/numbered edition of 10 each---28" X 22". Colors may vary---price $50.00 each. Now available at Biddle Gallery while they last!

Biddle Gallery

2840 Biddle Avenue

Wyandotte, MI 48192

734.281.4779

www.biddlegallery.com

Handmade Tumbers only 10.00!

2008-10-07T12:23:00.000-07:00

3rd Friday, October 17, 6-9PM Mike Kuhn Tumbler Sale. Meet Mike Kuhn and purchase a handmade tumbler for a mere 10.00 at Biddle Gallery during OctoberFest in Downtown Wyandotte. Great for hot and cold beverages. More pottery by Mike Kuhn is available now at Biddle Gallery.

After over 20 years as a professional photographer Mike Kuhn was introduced to ceramics at Schoolcraft College’s Continuing Education program as a birthday gift from his wife Carol. What started as a way to pass time has opened a whole new world and became a way of life. The process of working with clay; forming, decorating, and firing techniques, the challenges of learning the science, the values that grow out of the practice, and maybe most of all the incredible people he has encountered in this community of potters, past and present, near and far. All of this has inspired Mike to plunge forward in his quest to become the best artist possible - to continue to create functional pieces of art out of a simple ball of clay. His prayer now and always is that his work will bring to you the same sense of pleasure as it brings to him when he is creating it.

Biddle Gallery
2840 Biddle Avenue
Wyandotte, MI 48192
734.281.4779
http://www.biddlegallery.com
Hours: Monday-Friday 11AM-7PM, Saturday 10AM-5PM

Halloween Cards

2008-10-06T10:52:00.000-07:00

John Benson demonstrates his lino-cut technique at Biddle Gallery, Saturday, October 25, 10AM-2PM.

A self-taught artist, Detroiter John Benson finds inspiration from the ancient manuscripts of Western Europe and Ethiopia. From these and other sources he has developed his own vocabulary of meaningful designs - endless line of Celtic crosses, Ethiopian protective images, and Norse narrative figures. John also creates work in a more naturalistic manner in other seasonal and general images.

John Benson's Halloween cards are currently available at Biddle Gallery along with an assortment of card designs for a mere 2.00.

Biddle Gallery
2840 Biddle Avenue
Wyandotte, MI 48192
734.281.4779
www.biddlegallery.com
Hours: Monday-Friday 11AM-7PM, Saturday 10AM-5PM

Let's Have a Sushi Party!

2008-10-04T07:58:00.000-07:00

Dani Katsir uses fused glass to create exquisite sushi platters now available at Biddle Gallery.

Biddle Gallery
2840 Biddle Avenue
Wyandotte, MI 48192
734.281.4779
www.biddlegallery.com
Hours: Monday-Friday 11AM-7PM, Saturday 10AM-5PM

2008-09-20T10:11:00.000-07:00

Ryan Weiss and Jason Rohler
A.K.A. the A/V Kids: A Duo of un-ordinary proportions
September 19-October 31, 2008

ENCORE PERFORMANCE!

Watch Ryan paint as Jason performs live outside in front of Biddle Gallery on Saturday, November 1, Noon to 5:00PM.

Ryan Weiss has been creating ever since he figured out that crayons were better for drawing than eating. Ryan has been freelance illustrating for 4 years and has participated in a variety of art shows around the metro Detroit area as well as in Grand Rapids. He held his first one man show at the Biddle Gallery during the summer of 2007, entitled Dreaming through Reincarnation.

Jason Rohler has been playing music since he learned that pianos were better used for making sounds instead of blanket forts 17 years ago. He has been involved in various bands and jam projects and the music scene in general since the mid nineties and co/runs his own recording studio called ROBO Studios.

Together their aim is to fuse the visual and the audio worlds together to create some sort of unholy union between picture and music making; a kind of experiment in audio/visual improv.

Ryan's work from this event will be available through October 31, 2008.

Fresh Paint!

2008-09-13T09:50:00.000-07:00

Biddle Gallery
2840 Biddle Avenue
Wyandotte, MI 48192
734.281.4779
http://www.biddlegallery.com/
Hours: Monday-Friday 11AM-7PM, Saturday 10AM-5PM. Or by appointment.

Biddle Gallery Presents:
Ryan Weiss and Jason Rohler
A.K.A. the A/V Kids: A Duo of un-ordinary proportions
Friday, September 19, 7-9PM

Charlie Slick was here!

2008-08-02T07:36:00.000-07:00

Charlie Slick performed at Biddle Gallery on July 18. A wonderful time was had by all.

View his performance.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJLt26S-VPk v=WJLt26S-VPk

http://videobeta.aol.com/video-detail/charlie-slick-the-biddle-gallery-coconut-man/203235475

Climate Controlled Art Fair

2008-08-02T07:31:00.000-07:00

13th Annual Climate Controlled Art Fair (June 20-September 12) at Biddle Gallery.

Avoid the heat by shopping for handmade pottery, jewelry, handbags, furniture, paintings, glass, photography, clocks, fashion, garden, and home accessories by nearly 100 Michigan artists in a cool gallery. Artists include Davin Brainard, Carl Oxley III, Dave Moroski, Ryan Weiss, David Scherer, Sarah Burger, Julia Stephenson, Susan Crowley, Jerome Ferretti, Furnace Hot Glass, Jeri Hollister, Cheryl English, Kaiser Suidan, Rick McQuaid, John Albert Murphy, Taryn Boyd, Kyle Raetz and Lisa Harrison, James Freeman, and many more.

More info at http://www.biddlegallery.com/

Holiday Show

2007-11-23T07:28:00.001-08:00

Holiday Shows!November 23 through December 23, open 7 days a week 10AM-8PM. That's right, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and even Sunday! We will be here to serve you from 10AM - 8PM. 7, count 'em 7 days a week! Featuring over 100 Michigan artists in a variety of mediums including glass, pottery, jewelry, original paintings, handmade furniture, home and fashion accessories, and more. Many items priced 50.00 or less.

Here are some highlights:

Motawi Tileworks new tiles feature designs from Frank Lloyd Wright Collection. These designs were adapted from details of the "balloon and confetti" motif found in Mr. Wright's drawings of the Coonley Playhouse Triptych Art Glass Windows in Riverside, Illinois, 1912

Joey Merchant's handmade plush monsters, bags and accessories. Many of her creations are a collaborative effort between her and her sons, Ian (8) and Owen (3). They make patterns out of sheets of newsprint and Joey uses vintage fabrics, remnants and clearance fabrics to construct their creations.

John Albert Murphy and Clay Invitational Holiday Show & Sale, November 16 - December 31, 2007. John Albert Murphy and 30 of his students from Schoolcraft College create beautiful pottery just in time for holiday gift giving, along with Rick Pruckler, JoAnn Aquinto, Dan Saultman Sandra Belcher, Pewabic Pottery, Rosalyn Tyge, and more. This show starts November 16 and run through December 31, 2007.

Monkey Day is December 14. Monkey Party, Friday, December 14th, 6-9PM.

Monkey inspired art by local artists. Featuring Metro Times cover boy Carl Oxley III, Jack Johnson, Dave Moroski, John Benson, Terri Sarris, Davin Brainard, Ryan Weiss, Tara Hackett, Joey Merchant, Rick McQuaid, and more. Free banana with every purchase.

December 21, 6:00-9:00PM. Fused glass jewelry artist Kathleen Porter and metal work by Juanita Bitonti, along with weaving demonstration by Michael Daitch. Just added! Michele Kramp aka Magic Bag Lady. Recycle*Reuse*Custom Designed Handbags.

SUPPORT MICHIGAN ARTISTS. www.biddlegallery.com

Black Candy

2007-10-23T14:34:00.000-07:00

BLACK CANDY- New paintings by Davin Brainard and giant paper mache heads by Dave Moroski. October 15-31.

Artists reception/Block Party with our neighbors Biddle Avenue Florists, Downriver Stone Design, and Attorney, Mike Trager, Friday, October 26, 2007, 7-10PM. 2800 block of Biddle Avenue in downtown Wyandotte.

Biddle Gallery: Black Candy featuring new paintings by Davin Brainard and Giant Paper Mache Heads by Dave Moroski.

Biddle Avenue Florists: Bones, Blood and Blooms - dead chicken wings, wine punch and black flowers.

Downriver Stone Design: Hotdogs and Headstones.

Attorney, Mike Trager: Stay out of trouble, but if you can't help yourself, he's your man.

Art, refreshments, scarey movies, and entertainment.Sponsored in part by Motor City Brewing Works.

For more information go to http://www.biddlegallery.com/