For Immediate Release
Media Contact:
Matthew Bizoe
Marketing & Events Manager
269.983.0271
marketing@krasl.org
Local Community Finds Resiliency through Art
The 2019 Members’ Show at Krasl Art Center reflects how our community has adapted to adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats, and stress.
ST. JOSEPH, MICH - Krasl Art Center (KAC) is proud to present the theme of Resiliency for the 2019 Members’ Show from December 6 - January 20. Each year, members are invited to submit one new artwork of their making addressing the current year’s exhibition theme. Continuing with KAC’s current exhibition (on view thru December 1), Resiliency is defined as the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats and even stress – such as family and relationship problems, serious health problems, or workplace and financial stresses. This exhibition is underwritten by Chemical Bank.

This continuation of KAC’s current exhibition, Resiliency , was inspired by dialogue between KAC and Spectrum Health Lakeland (SHL). In 2016 and 2019, SHL completed Community Health Needs Assessments in which mental health emerged as the most urgent need throughout Berrien County. In 2016, KAC committed to inspiring meaningful change and strengthening the community through visual arts as its new mission. Combining KAC’s expertise in art, and SHL’s expertise in wellness, both exhibitions represent the collaborative efforts to improve quality of life. Both exhibitions are the first in a line of artist-guided programming designed to facilitate better understanding of mental health and explore the concept of community resiliency. Look for events at KAC, the Benton Harbor Public Library, and Maud Preston Memorial Library continuing into 2020.

All media, styles, and skillsets are accepted in the 2019 Members’ Show encouraging creativity and community bonding. Collaborative efforts are encouraged and performance pieces will be considered . KAC members are invited to submit their artworks for display December 1, 11 AM - 5 PM, and December 2, 11 AM - 8 PM. The exhibition will be on view December 6, 2019 - January 20, 2020. Artwork will be available for pickup from January 22 - 26 during KAC public hours.

Not a member? Not a problem. Join the KAC family when you drop off your artwork on December 1 and 2! There is only one size requirement: artworks must be able to fit through KAC’s front doors. All mediums and levels of expertise are welcome. Visit https://krasl.org/art/exhibitions/upcoming/ for additional artwork criteria, Information on membership levels, and a discount offer from Waterfront framing and fine art.

“Our members and the surrounding community are extremely important to KAC, and we are thrilled to celebrate them and their collective resiliency with this unique exhibition. We are pleased to offer this opportunity to present members' artwork professionally displayed in KAC’s beautiful galleries,
 - Tami Miller, KAC Deputy Director and Curator.
KAC invites the community to the 2019 Members' Show.
Exhibition Programming
All events are FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC unless otherwise noted.
Visit krasl.org for more information.

2019 MEMBERS' SHOW ARTWORK SUBMISSION DATES
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1, 11 AM - 5 PM
MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 11 AM - 8 PM

OPENING PARTY
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 5:30 - 8 PM
Join KAC for the biggest opening of the year! Featuring live music by  Motown Machine , artmaking for all ages with art therapist Holly Garces (5:30 – 7:30 PM), a VIP lounge, cash bar featuring Lake Michigan Vintners and The Livery microbrewery (6 – 8 PM), and small bites by Bistro on the Boulevard.

RESILIENCY REVEAL PAINTING WORKSHOP
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 11:30 AM - 1 PM
Reflect on what makes us strong with teaching artist Keith Stevens. Create vibrant silhouettes and consider the things life throws our way as you cover them with layers of paint. Then, wash the paint away to see the resilient figures reemerge. Space is limited! Email education@krasl.org to reserve your spot today.

COFFEE WITH THE CURATOR
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 12 PM
Join Deputy Director & Curator Tami Miller and select artists from the show for a guided tour of the exhibition. Featuring KAC premier coffee provider Forté Coffee.

RESILIENCY IN RITUAL
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 10 AM
Local artist Kathy Zerler celebrates the significance of morning rituals in this new year. Morning rituals help get us out of bed, face the day, and live in the moment. Zerler will share personal and fictional accounts of these wonderful practices and invite guests to share their own, all while enjoying a warm cup of coffee or tea.

THOUGHTFUL THURSDAY + ARTIST TALKS
THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 7 - 8 PM
Exhibiting Member Artists are invited to join this special Thoughtful Thursday program, touring the galleries and sharing the inspirations, anecdotes and techniques behind the artworks on view. 

UNDERSTANDING ART TOURS
Book a tour of the 2019 Members’ Show for a class or group! Email the education department at education@krasl.org.
About the Krasl Art Center:
Krasl Art Center is a nonprofit art museum and learning center that enriches the lives of people living in or visiting Southwest Michigan by delivering enlightening art experiences through diverse education opportunities, meaningful events, and high quality exhibits and collections. KAC’s mission is to inspire meaningful change and strengthen community through the visual arts. To learn more, visit krasl.org.
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