Ottawa County and the Holland Area Arts Council have announced which works have been purchased to become part of the permanent collection of the Ottawa County Art Trust. Nine pieces were chosen for purchase awards from a total of 51 entries by 28 artists who live or work in Ottawa County. All of the entries will be on display in the Ottawa County Administration Building in West Olive through August 20 during business hours.
Purchase Awards were given to: (Listed in no particular order)
• Tom Saltsman – Palomita Looking West – Acrylic
• AAE Russell – Pier Opening – Digital Photography
• Mary Modderman – Into History – Watercolor
• Diane Haworth – Centennial Park Tulips – Oil
• Peter Winiarski – Foggy Morning – Photography
• Maggie Bandstra – Silver Lining Poppies – Oil
• Emily Kimball-Wells – Grand Haven Trolley – Oil
• Alla Dickson – Tulips – Oil
• Michelle Calkins – Warm Sky with Waves – Digital Painting
Nationally known artist, Christi Dreese, served as juror for the 2021 show, selecting the newest additions to the permanent collection. “It was an honor to jury the Ottawa County Art Trust Exhibit,” said Dreese. “We have so many talented artists in our community who enrich our lives by bringing us their view of the world and experiences. We are thankful and appreciative to live in an area that supports the artists and shares the art and culture with the community.”
The Art Trust is a tangible way to demonstrate Ottawa County’s commitment to culture, creativity and innovation. At the same time, the trust will preserve a legacy of art for generations of residents to come.
“The partnership with the Holland Area Arts Council to create the Art Trust is a unique venture for a government organization. It seems more natural when you consider that we have forged our very own innovation program to promote creative ideas and thinking differently,” said Al Vanderberg, Ottawa County Administrator.
The Art Trust was established in 2018. Ottawa County and the Holland Area Arts Council plan to hold the exhibition annually to grow the County’s fine art collection. . The Ottawa County Art Trust will build a permanent library of artwork created by resident artists. As the collection grows, the works will be on display in various county locations. To date, the Art Trust Collection houses 38 art pieces from 31 different artists.
The public can get involved by:
• Viewing and appreciating the art at the exhibition.
• Purchasing art from the show for their homes or offices. Purchases support local artists, the Holland Area Arts Council and the Art Trust. Many beautiful pieces remain for sale.
• Purchasing exhibition pieces to gift to the Art Trust. Sponsoring a piece is a thoughtful way to show dedication to the art community or to honor a loved one, family member or mentor. Sponsored pieces will be marked with a plate, recognizing the gift.
• Donating a monetary gift to the Art Trust which will enable it to purchase more works for the collection.
• Those wishing to make a purchase or gift may contact Shannon Felgner with Ottawa County or Mary Sundstrom of the Holland Area Arts Council.