The current exhibition at Arts Council of White Lake – Nuveen (ACWL-Nuveen) entitled, The Artistic Vision of Stephen Hargash, is on display through July 19 and will highlight the creativity of Frankenmuth artist, Stephen Hargash – https://hargashartiststudio.com/. ACWL-Nuveen became acquainted with Stephen’s artwork when he applied for the Colby Street Pocket Park Mural commission last November. The Mural Selection Committee reviewed 40 applicants for the project and Stephen’s design and approach to large scale community-based public murals won over the committee. He was awarded the commission in March. Because he will be working on the mural over the course of the summer, the ACWL-Nuveen offered Stephen an exhibit to introduce the White Lake community to the depth of his artistic talent. The artwork on display will include his proposal for the Colby Street Pocket Park mural, videos of his public artwork, and a range of paintings and cast-iron sculptures.
At the age of 18, Stephen decided to follow his passion and make art his life’s work. He fueled his creative spirit and funded his introductory education at the Kendall College of Art & Design by traveling the art fair circuit in the state and selling unique airbrushed t-shirts. He eventually moved on from Kendall to study sculpture at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) where he earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Sculpture and Painting.
MCAD opened a world of possibilities for Stephen, primarily by introducing him to the creative and financial potential of both indoor and outdoor mural commissions. In 1995 his skills were recognized by a local businessman in Frankenmuth who commissioned him to paint five large public murals for the community. This initial support was the catalyst that has led to the creation of over 100 murals located in Michigan and New York state.
Stephen had this to say about his artistic style and creative process, “I have my own creative process, but if I had to say I thought I emulated anyone, I’d think of myself as Van Gogh-esque, or even a Rembrandt/Rockwell mix. My public art deals strongly with community and the narrative I am trying to portray. My personal work is more experimental. I am always willing to try new things and change the process a little or make it different stylistically.” His main goal is that his passion for art and artmaking inspires visitors to his exhibitions and the community members he comes in contact with while painting his public murals.
You are invited to meet Stephen in person and hear him speak about his artwork during the reception for his exhibition on Saturday, July 19 from 12:00 – 2:00pm. Stephen will be talking about his artwork at 12:15. Everyone is welcome to this free reception – we will be serving snacks and beverages. Any questions about this exhibit or the planned mural – please call – 231-893-2524 or stop by – ACWL-Nuveen is located at 106 E. Colby Street in downtown Whitehall.
