It was fun to help the Lucas County Arts Council mark its 25 anniversary during a celebratory Gallery Night at the Freight House Saturday. I was there early, but a good crowd was developing to enjoy work by local artists and enjoy a glass of wine and snacks.
The principal space in the Freight House is used most often as an events venue, so this incarnation of its timbered walls as gallery space for regional artists is a rare event.
I had to take a closer look at this watercolor by Susan Baer, begun last summer during our joint Arts Council-Historical Society "Art at the Museum" event and finished off later. That's the Stephens House in the background.
There was interactive art, too. Angie Altenhofen created this work entitled "Hug" from synthetic fur and beadwork --- with a Braille text sewn into it --- to be, as the name suggests, hugged. Arts Council board member Lori Ghormley did just that.
The Arts Council also coordinates the Vredenburg Performing Arts series, so Adam Bahr was there to offer season tickets, and a community Jazz Band --- director Daniel Scheetz was on hand to distribute copies of its season program (performances, at the Freight House, are free).
The Arts Council began as discussion among interested parties during October of 1992 and formal organization followed during 1993.
During September of 2000, the Council obtained title to the near-derelict C.B.&Q. Freight House and commenced the massive restoration effort that returned it to active life in the community.
Just recently, the Freight House has been updated with new exterior lighting to facilitate evening events, new entrance steps, ramps and decking --- and new signage. So Happy Birthday!
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