WinterView 2025:
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A Celebration of Art & Local Talent

Each year, Art in the Loft presents four unique exhibits for our artists to display their work. Our season begins with the Young Artist Exhibit in the Spring, where students K-12 from across our region are offered the opportunity to see their creations displayed in a professional gallery setting. The gallery then transitions into SummerView, an open exhibit for local and regional artists in any style or medium. In the Fall, we offer a nation wide juried art competition. The theme changes each year, but always aims to push our artists to explore their creativity and think outside the box. Finally, we wrap up our annual season with the WinterView exhibit, which again is open to local and regional artists in any style or medium. During regular exhibits, Art in the Loft can host up to 35 artists. 

Art & Artists on Display

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Hi! My name is Abigail Adams and I'm a young aspiring artist who loves to work with many mediums like acrylics, watercolors, gouache, and, as of recently, digital art. I love to paint things that inspire me, like flowers, animals (especially foxes!), autumn days, birds, starry skies, northern lights, and landscapes but ultimately just paint whatever feels right in the moment! Art is my favorite pastime and I find myself always carrying a sketchbook in my bag and a pencil in my pocket wherever I go. I am mostly self-taught, but I have taken a few classes with a fellow exhibiting artist, Mariah Brancheau, and have studied the art of other artists who inspire me, such as Sibylline Meynet, Elise Brianne, Elaine Lee, Lóre Pemberton, among many others. I am thirteen years old and I've been making art for as long as I can remember. I don't plan on quitting anytime soon! My dream is to one day be a full-time artist! So, thank you for supporting that dream! Truly, Abigail Adams ♡

Jessica Adams has enjoyed creating art since childhood. She has dabbled in many mediums from oil pastels, acrylics, watercolors, metals, and mixed media. Her current passion is enameling. The root of Jessica's enamel infatuation began with metalworking. She learned how to forge from her husband, Roy Adams, who is a full time blacksmith. She enjoyed creating things like bowls and other small pieces. But they seemed to be lacking something... Color! Jessica studied under enamelist Jean Vance in 2019. Additional self study and experimentation has brought her to her current skill level. Jessica's life tends to be quite full as a wife, mother, and entrepreneur. She finds relaxation in working through her creative process... First dreaming up the projects, followed by getting out in the shop and making them a reality! She loves working with enamels because they add such vibrant color to what would otherwise be monochromatic metal. Enamels leave immense room for experimentation with colors and textures. The depth that can be achieved with multiple layers of enamel is astonishing.

What I love most about photography is each image takes you to the time and place where it was created. Some images I imagine and plan months ahead of time. Others I stumble upon in a stroke of synchronistic luck. Some days I set out at 4 a.m. to capture a sunrise. On others, I walk the streets of a new city absorbing its energy, not knowing what is around the corner. Creating a split-second capture of a beautiful scene with fabulous light is breathtaking. My photography has been featured in juried shows in Alpena, Michigan and Cincinnati, Ohio. Winning several awards, my work has been published online and in local newspapers, pamphlets, and magazines. My home is in Alpena, Michigan where I am lucky enough to live on a lake with migrating birds, sunrises and sunsets. I kayak, bike and hike, travel to new places, and enjoy visiting and spoiling grandchildren.

I am a locally based photographer who loves the Alpena area. My most common subjects are local landscapes, streets, and wildlife, but I love photographing many kinds of things. I have had an interest in photography since I was a child, but I got into it seriously while studying in college. I appreciate the beauty to be found in Alpena, with its diversity of wildlife, plant life, architecture, and people. Walking around this small town with my camera is one of my favorite activities.

Kevin Englund is a retired nurse anesthetist who lives in Alpena. He is inspired by nature, and his artwork largely features landscapes, seascapes and wildlife. He works in various media, including watercolors and acrylics, but his favorite is pastels, which he uses to create both soft and bold strokes of rich, blended colors. Kevin has had an interest in art since childhood, but for decades, he tried to paint but experienced an “artist’s block,” where he was unable to begin or finish any artwork. In 2021, he returned to painting and is now exhibiting his work. One of his pieces, “Lake Sainte Kathryn,” was selected for honorable mention in the 2022 juried art show, “The Five Senses".

Jan Herring resides in Alpena, MI, but grew up in Sault Ste. Marie, MI. She spent many years watching and learning as her father designed and created jewelry, a love he passed on to her. Jan studied jewelry making through workshops at Art in the Loft, interactive online instruction, books, DVDs and self instruction. In 2012, she had the opportunity to study at the Tucson Gem and Jewelry show in Arizona. She took classes on abstract jewelry design, copper enameling, and ring making using annealing, soldering and drilling methods. Additionally, Jan studied metal texturing and riveting at the Domaci Gallery in Rogers City, MI. An avid donor and supporter of the arts, she has given a number of items for charity fundraisers and displayed at multiple conferences, art fairs, and galleries. Jan has taught classes and displayed at Art in the Loft, but is also a member of two other co-op galleries: TBAC in Alpena and the Dragonfly Gallery in Harrisville, MI. Jan is also an accomplished seamstress, published writer, and enjoys gardening, reading and traveling with her husband, Chuck.

I select a wide variety of materials for my creations that marry found objects with original collage painting techniques. I delight in the creative process, truly appreciating that I don't know where inspiration will lead me as I create each piece.

I have been a resident in Alpena most of my life. I have always been involved in working with a wide variety of art media including jewelry, stained glass, photography, textiles, felted purses, and basketry. Working with different varieties of art medium has always been a passion and form of relaxation after I ended my workday, which is why I have never focused on just one area of art. I had wonderful art instructors in the public school system who let me explore my passion for art and creativity who gave such encouragement. That as I continue to grow up, I have never given up that passion, working with my hands to be able to create new art forms and explore ways to share with others how to explore their own creativity. It is my hope that the person or people who own items that I have created will enjoy it as much as I have enjoyed making it. I have served on the Thunder Bay Arts Council Board of Directors, volunteered at Art in the Loft and have shown my work at several different art fairs and venues.

Mary Lightner is an Alpena native who has been into photography for about the past ten years. She has been displaying her work for about the same amount of time. Her first submissions were for the Art in the Loft Juried Art Show entitled “Light”. She has received honorable mentions from the “Senses” Juried Art Show at Art in the Loft and from the annual art show at the Besser Museum. Mary has always had an interest in photography, and that interest blossomed into a passion when her husband gave her a Canon camera for Christmas after they moved into their current house, which is located in the woods. This location has inspired much of her work, and many of the pictures she takes are on her own property or in various locations in Northeast Michigan. Mary enjoys nature and her flower gardens, and that is shown through her work. As she explains, “I feel like I look at things through a different lens, and I try to reflect that in my photos.”

Peggy is inspired by the amazing world around us. She paints to express her enjoyment of nature. She doesn’t copy a scene, but rather paints her version or essence of it. Peggy resides in Oscoda, MI.. She spent summers in the Tawas/Oscoda area with her grandparents while growing up. After college she moved to Rogers City where she raised her family and taught elementary school for 38 years. During this time she focused on Photography and worked with stained glass. Her photos serve as references for her paintings, hoping others will also enjoy the places that resonate with her. Now that she is retired she has time to pursue her love of painting. She takes advantage of workshops, whenever she can to learn, explore and experience new techniques. She began with watercolor, then oils, and now paints mainly with acrylics. A few years ago she was introduced to batik, which brought her back to watercolor (on rice paper). Peggy’s work has been accepted in several juried shows both in Tawas and at Besser.

Terry Lowell is an accomplished wood and stone carver whose artistry showcases his exceptional talent and creativity. Living predominately in Colorado, Terry has spent most of his life honing his woodcarving, wood turning, and stone carving skills as a self taught artist. He resides in Harrisville, MI, and holds a Bachelors degree from Northern MI University. Terry’s previous career encompassed governmental finance, city clerk, and management roles, but his passion for woodcarving and sculpture remained strong. He began collecting tools for his craft and devoted himself to woodcarving after retiring. Terry’s preferred subjects for sculptures are wildlife, and his wood turnings often feature elaborate designs and graphics. He experiments with finishes on his carvings and turnings to add unique touches to each piece. His joy in the creative process is evident in his art and is shared with those who view his work. Mr. Lowell has exhibited and sold sculptures and turnings in galleries and juried events across Colorado and Michigan garnering appreciation and admiration from art enthusiasts.

I first became interested in photography at an nine when my Dad gave me a Kodak Instamatic 100 for my birthday. Little did I know during that time that this little camera with drop in film cartridges and pop-in flash bulbs would foster a passion that would remain with my entire life. I seek out clean lines, form and balance with each image conveying not what I was photographing but why I was photographing. On occasion, I enjoy pushing the envelope to eliminate all visual clues as to what the subject is and invite the viewer not just to see the image but the journey through it. Other times, I find it simply are inspiring to be at a world class location with dramatic light. Photographs come easily in these instances. A veteran of art shows and exhibitions throughout West Michigan, I retired in July of 2018 following 37 years mostly in public health. I live in Grand Rapids, MI with my lovely wife Candice and my two cats Boo Boo and Skyler.

Beth Preston was first introduced to the art world as a young girl by a neighbor friend and New England artist, Pamela Fox, for whom she used to model. In college, her favorite place to be was the art studio. She learned the encaustic technique, among others, in a Materials and Techniques of Painting class at Sweet Briar College. She learned more about painting from Max Gomes in Hawaii.. Now that she and her husband, Glenn, have moved to Alpena, she is very happy and proud to be a part of this wonderful art community and to show her work here at Art in the Loft, where she and Glenn thoroughly enjoy attending art events as well as other events. Besides showing her art here, she also enjoys teaching classes and volunteering. She writes “sDg” after her name on all her work. It stands for soli Deo gloria, to God alone be the glory.

Hi, I’m Juliane! a 20-year-old photographer based in Alpena, MI and the creative behind JPR Photography. I started my business at 17 after winning a photography contest through The Sunset Project, which led to a grant that helped launch my career. Since then, I’ve had the chance to work with amazing clients, connect with inspiring artists, and showcase my work in multiple SummerView and WinterView exhibits. My photography blends emotion, nature, and storytelling. I specialize in capturing dreamy landscapes, night skies, animals, and flowers — along with weddings, engagements, maternity, and senior sessions. My style leans vintage and candid, with an emphasis on golden light and in-the-moment feels. I keep things laid-back and fun, turning each session into more of a creative hangout than a formal shoot. I keep my bookings light so I can continue growing creatively and maintaining a personal touch in everything I do.

I am a local (recently published) author and fine artist who works in mixed media. I have been creating art in many capacities for decades. I studied art on the west side of the state, under John Link and received my associate’s in fine art in 1997. I followed up with earning my bachelor’s degree in art education from Western Michigan University and a master’s degree in art education, with a focus on art therapy from Wayne State University. I’ve showcased my artwork throughout numerous disciplines in various exhibits across several states. If you’re out and about in Oscoda, MI, please visit these commissioned pieces I’ve painted: the Welcome to Oscoda sign, the life size Paul Bunyan on Furtaw Field, the Sunset Mural outside of the Zoning Department, and the Paul Bunyan Mural in Township Hall. Be sure to follow me on Facebook for updates on my next publication, as well as recent art endeavors: Robin G. Savage, Artist/Author.

I grew up in NW Detroit and now split my time between Livonia and Oscoda, MI. I am married to Vicki, and we have two grown children and three cats. As a child, I took some art classes at the Detroit Institute of Art, but am primarily self-taught. My style of drawing began in High School using the black BiC Cristal pen. My drawings have a lot of fine detail, and this pen allows me to do the shading the way I like. I took time away from drawing to work full time and raise my family; but since resuming it about six years ago, I have completed over 350 drawings. I am a realist. My work is sometimes mistaken for photos. Traditionally a black and white artist, lately I have been experimenting with adding color. I like people to take the time to really study them and appreciate the detail that goes into each drawing. I am a member of three local Art Clubs in the Metro Detroit area; and I enjoy entering Juried Art Exhibitions. I have participated in some of the Art Fairs in Northeast Michigan including Harrisville Harmony Weekend where I have won Best Of Show twice. In my spare time, I enjoy jet skiing, snorkeling, and kayaking.

After a career of working in resorts in the U.S. and Mexico, I retired to pursue my photography hobby full time. I am most drawn to photographing scenic landscapes and the play of light during different times of day - I find cloud formations, sunsets and moonrises to be most compelling in this genre and have recently ventured into night photography to capture auroras. Additionally, I enjoy photographing botanicals of all varieties from flowers to fungi. I share my photos on social media by the name Slow Lane Snapshots on Facebook and @leannamarie on Blue Sky. I currently live in Lost Lake Woods Club outside of Lincoln, Michigan. I am a graduate of Arizona State University with a Liberal Arts degree in Art History and Museum Sciences. I am a supporter of the National Park Service and enjoy the beautiful scenery and wild spaces offered by our national and state parks. These spaces provide me with excellent subject matter for my photography!

Elissa Sweet (formerly Elissa Englund) is an artist and digital illustrator based in Rhode Island. Her watercolor and ink paintings feature botanical elements and birds, and she also creates custom wedding bouquet portraits and flower arrangement paintings based on the Victorian language of flowers. Her digital work includes logo design and illustrations. She grew up in Alpena, spent eight years in New York City and now lives 10 minutes from the beach in Westerly, Rhode Island.

Cheryl VanderLaan is a lifelong, self-taught artist who lives and works in Alpena County, Michigan. Drawn to the interplay of rich color and beautiful light, she creates paintings that capture the grace and vitality of human and animal forms, as well as the quiet beauty of landscapes and gardens. Working primarily in oil and acrylic, Cheryl’s art reflects a deep appreciation for the natural world and the expressive possibilities of paint. Her work reveals both sensitivity and strength, balancing realism with a painterly touch that celebrates texture and atmosphere. A member of the Northeast Michigan Artists Guild, Cheryl has recently begun exhibiting her work locally, sharing her evolving vision with a broader audience. Through her art, she invites viewers to pause, observe, and rediscover the beauty that surrounds them every day.

My husband and I raised our three kids in Asia and I spent the bulk of our 22 years there as a high school art teacher at an International School. The sites and sounds of Asia were great resources for art. Since returning to the States and Northern Michigan, I am falling in love with a new landscape. My favorite medium of soft pastel lends itself to the Great Lakes shoreline and interior rolling hills.

Art in the Loft operates with support from the Michigan Arts & Culture Council and the National Endowment for the Arts