Art Reflections 2016 into 2017

To become inspired to write this blog, I went to the 2016 journal for a quick review of the year, and what a year it was. A major gallery sale came through and the chance to represent Michigan in another venue this time in Michigan. The phrase being in the right place at the right time made other connections possible. Thanks to all those who helped made this art year worth the effort.

Another high point for me was an exhibit opening at the Cycling Salamander house gallery of Charlevoix. After hours of preparation the doors opened and among the interested visitors a young preteen came with her family. She looked carefully over the rooms of paintings before stopping in

Solitary Blues 16x20 recent exhibit at Cycling Salamander

front of me with her arms out stretched and asked, “Who did all these paintings?” Her family pointed to me. Without hesitation she extended her hand for a formal handshake. We spent the next half hour talking about each of the paintings. Her pure joy of being part of the art experience was for me refreshing and reaffirming and enough to keep me working with a sense of joy through the year.

I am hoping in the New Year we may all look at the events around us with the innocence and joy of the young ones we love so much and do our best to see the world through their eyes to make it safe and ready to create art.

We began the year with a buoyant acquisition of Michigan sands and ended with the purchase of another from our other featured artist show at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation  

(MEDC). This is Michigan focusing on Michigan dunes is still available for viewing (but not for long – take down to be determined soon) 9 to 5 weekdays at 300 N. Washington Square, in beautiful downtown Lansing.

Here we are now in 2017 after that very busy year. A few Joel Ellis paintings remain in various shows: three from the Holiday Show at McLaren Physicians Building off of Lake Lansing Road come down January 9; and a large landscape at Shiawassee Art Center in Owosso will be picked up January 14. We are delighted that three featured shows of Joel Ellis Art are planned for 2017. More on that as the year goes on.

We are very greatful to all who showed an interest in the art and for those who purchased paintings from Joel Ellis Art, you validate the work. Thank you.

Wishing all a healthy and successful new year.

Joel

www.joelellisart.com