Public Arts Midland: Neighborhood Bench Project

Locations + Meet The Artists

LOCATION 1: Homer Township Hall Park, 522 North Homer Road
Artist: Allise Noble

I am an award winning local artist who grew up in Midland. I teach art to community members of all ages and abilities at a variety of arts organizations in the Great Lakes Bay region. My specialty is working with neurodiverse individuals. My work is inspired by an appreciation for the natural world and all living things that inhabit it, and the healing power of creativity. With my art I aim to make the internal external, and connect with viewers based on their own unique experiences. I believes that everyone can be an artist – each person on earth has the ability to do something creative that can touch another person, and it is never too late to begin.

My bench design was inspired by 3 prominent Midland creatives: Alden B. Dow, Charles Breed, and John Pratt. Though they had vastly different artistic styles, backgrounds, and life experiences they are all united in their belief that art can give people a better life. Creativity inspires collaboration, and brings people together.

Connect: Website – Instagram – Facebook

Artist: Erin Patrice
LOCATION 2: Stranded Yarn & Coffee, 132 Ashman Cir

I am Erin Patrice- the creator of the Breaking Bread Village. I enjoy creating fun and safe spaces. I also enjoy creating in other ways by painting, crafting, and jewelry making- for fun! Decided to be a part of this project to walk alongside other artist and leave a mark along the way.

Meet Grace: The idea behind the bench message is that the lady painted is a representation of grace. Her very presence is grace. Grace is needed and wanted. We can give it and receive it. When we allow space for healthy dialogue- active listening happens- and once we listen understanding comes shortly after. Once we’ve understood we can apply grace. We all want to be understood and shown a little grace. So my little seed I wanted to plant was that- by way of this painting.

It takes strength to give grace to others. And we all can’t be strong all then time. But we can help each other and be a shoulder when the other is feeling weak of fatigued. That happens by walking along side the other and giving the wonderful gift of grace.

Connect: Website – Instagram – Facebook

Artist: Alexis Bearinger – Cudabeara Fine Art & Photo
LOCATION 3: Serendipity Road, 215 E. Main St.

My name is Alexis Bearinger and I’m the owner, manager, bookkeeper, designer, photographer and artist behind Cudabeara Fine Art & Photo! I started my business in 2020 during the pandemic and I’ve been full time ever since. I’ve lived in central Michigan my whole life and I’ve been an artist as long as I can remember. My specialties include acrylic & watercolor painting, portrait photography, and photo restoration, but I dabble in many different mediums and I’m always open to taking on new creative endeavors!

My bench is all about the flowers of Midland and draws reference to both the Midland Blooms project as well as Dow Gardens! I love that my hometown has always made such an effort to bring beauty to every day life, and now when I think of home I always think of flowers.

Connect: Website – Instagram – TikTok

Artist: Skylar Sutton
LOCATION 4: Sheila‘s Little Free Library & Gallery, 107 W. Carpenter St

This is my first time actually dipping into the art community. This project was difficult, but I love the environment.

This bench is a image of my experiences living in Midland.

(Note: Skylar was 16 at the time of this project)

Artist: Jordan Taylor
LOCATION 5: Greater Midland North Family Center, 2601 E Shearer Rd

I am a life long Midland resident and artist working in multiple mediums. From community projects to galleries, my hope is to share my art with as many people as possible and inspire others.

My bench represents a community garden. A place where people meet and grow together, not just vegetables but also growing connections and friendships.

Connect: Instagram

Artist: Dr. Joy Yang Jiao
LOCATION 6: Midland Center for the Arts, 1801 W St Andrews Rd

There is an “artist” in everyone of us. Although I pursue my career as an academic rather than an artist, I realize that art is rather a lens through which we view and interpret our world with all its beautiful elements.

The “Flying Apsaras” design is inspired by the ancient cave paintings in DunHuang, China, with a history of roughly 3000 years. The lotus flower symbolizes peace and harmony in various Asian cultures. This design is a celebration. It celebrates Midland as our inclusive “hometown” where all international cultures and heritages thrive harmoniously with the local cultures.

Artist: Victoria Parker
LOCATION 7: Larkin Township Park, 2952 N Jefferson Rd

I’ve been a freelance Artist for over 30 years.I like experimenting with all Art mediums, and enjoy the process of creating!

My design depicts Midland’s vast water ecosystem.

Connect: Facebook

Artist: Lakyn Miller
LOCATION 8: Ashman Plaza/Live Oak, 711 Ashman St

Lakyn Miller is a graphic designer & artist based in the tri-city area. Passionate about uncovering and connecting others through the many veins of human experience. She finds herself navigating moments in time and mind; creating organized chaos on any surfaces available at arm’s length.

On this bench you will see a river formed by different smaller streams converging. Not only is this a nod to the central Tridge in town, but also a representation of coming together, growing as one to sustain the lives and growth of the community. I have come to realize that no matter which walk of life a person comes from or which cultural traditions are brought to the table, nature is a central hub in which they may gather and be expressed. This community in particular is always growing, forming its own collective traditions of coming together meeting outdoors sharing space/sharing ideas.

Connect: Website – Instagram

Artist: Allison Stout
LOCATION 9: Dow Diamond, 825 E Main St

My name is Allison Stout and I like drawing and digital art. I wanted to create a bench for this project because I wanted to make something that would be part of the community.

I chose baseball as my topic for the bench because baseball is a huge part of Midland’s culture. It is a great way to hang out with friends and support your city at the same time. We have the Great Lakes Loons, Midland Miracle Field, and recreational baseball and softball here, so anyone can play or watch. Being part of a team or rooting for a team is a great way to meet people and it helps people find a place where they can feel like they belong.

(Note: Allison was 12.5 at the time of this project)

Artist: Madeline Stout
LOCATION 10: Joyful Tantrum Recess, 4000 Jefferson Ave

My name is Madeline Stout and art is the best. I LOVE drawing, clay, digital art, and making things up.

I chose nature as my topic for the bench because there are many pieces of nature in Midland County. I know nature is important in Midland’s culture because we have Dow Gardens, Whiting Forest, the Chippewa Nature Center, City Forest, lots of flowers Downtown, Midland Blooms, and many parks and forests.

On the front of the seat, I put a quote from Gary Snyder, “Nature is not a place to visit, it is home.” I like this quote because all the things I listed above are part of my home, Midland, which makes this quote true. I also included pine trees, mushrooms, wildflowers, an owl, a squirrel, and birds. You can find all of these things in Midland. Nature is great because being outside is good for you. The sun makes you happier, and if you’re happier you can do better things for people.

(Note: Madeline was 9.5 at the time of this project)

Positivity Bench, Artist: Selena Ashley
LOCATION 11: The Legacy Center for Community Success, 2417 Abbott Rd

Selena Bender is a local Michigan artist specializing in hand lettering and graphic design. Inspired by color, florals and wanderlust her mission is to create art that provokes a sense of belonging. Selena hopes her art makes you feel valued, loved and understood.

This bench was commissioned by LINKS and Dow Credit Union, and facilitated by Parker Lane Art & Design Studio.

Connect: Website – Facebook – Instagram

Regional Community Foundation Retreat Bench, Facilitated by Artists Dacia Parker & Jazz Benitez
LOCATION 12: Overlook Park, 801-835 S Poseyville Rd

This mini-mural was created by staff of the Bay, Midland, Saginaw, Isabella and Tuscola Community Foundations during their 2023 Regional Community Foundation Retreat.

Dacia Parker is a Midland, MI based artist and photographer whose work reflects a love for the natural beauty found in water, mountains and nature. She is co-chair of Public Arts Midland and is passionate about encouraging and mentoring young artists.
Connect – Website – Facebook – Instagram

Jazzmyn Benitez is a Midland, MI based artist and music enthusiast. They describe their work as a push and pull between the human spirit and the Spirit that guides them. Jazz hopes to inspire people to sit in their present moments and take the steps to Enjoy Life through art and existence.
Connect – Website – Facebook – Instagram

Scholarship Awards Bench, Facilitated by Artists Dacia Parker & Jazz Benitez
LOCATION 13: Midland Area Community Foundation, 76 Ashman Circle

This bench was painted during the Midland Area Community Foundation’s 2023 Scholarship Award Open House in June.  It was painted by scholarship recipients and their families, scholarship fundholders, Foundation Trustees and staff as a way to get everyone engaged.

Dacia Parker is a Midland, MI based artist and photographer whose work reflects a love for the natural beauty found in water, mountains and nature. She is co-chair of Public Arts Midland and is passionate about encouraging and mentoring young artists.
Connect – Website – Facebook – Instagram

Jazzmyn Benitez is a Midland, MI based artist and music enthusiast. They describe their work as a push and pull between the human spirit and the Spirit that guides them. Jazz hopes to inspire people to sit in their present moments and take the steps to Enjoy Life through art and existence.
Connect – Website – Facebook – Instagram

Sister City Bench, Artists: John and Nana Metcalf, and the community at River Days
LOCATION 14: Creative 360, 5501 Jefferson

John is an exhibit designer of over 25 years, with a degree in industrial design from the University of Cincinnati. He is currently a partner in Good Design Group, an exhibit design firm.
Connect – Website

Nana Metcalf graduated from Ferris State University in 2022 with a degree in Digital Animation and Game Design and is currently collaborating with others to publish two games for various platforms.
Connect – Instagram

Three Fires Bench, Artist: Brooklyn Jackson
LOCATION 15: Creative 360, 5501 Jefferson

BONUS Picnic Table Artist: Michelle M. Marcotte
LOCATION 14: Creative 360, 5501 Jefferson

Being a Midland native, I have thankfully always been surrounded by the Arts. As a visual artist, I draw inspiration from the beauty of the outside world. My process is intuitive. I begin with no plan for the finished result. I am simply on a journey, making marks on a blank canvas, then applying acrylic paint in layers until I am satisfied with the result. Often times, my work gives a nod to floral shapes and colors. Growing up in Midland, my family visited Dow Gardens often. My mother is an artist, and she taught me how to look at nature as an artist.

My picnic table is an ode to the beautiful colors and shapes of the Flora and Fauna of Dahlia Hill, Whiting Forest, City Forest and of course, Dow Gardens. True to my artistic style, there is an abstract spin to it.

Connect: Instagram – Facebook

BONUS Picnic Table Artist: Kaitlyn Philp
LOCATION 15: No longer on Display – was a prize for our Scavenger Hunt

My name is Kait, and I am an emerging artist based in Midland, MI. I am passionate about the connecting power of public art. Working closely with Parker Lane Art & Design Studio, I am launching a cyanotype prints and apparel online platform!

My picnic table design aims to embody the peaceful, but often ambiguous emotions surrounding the beginning and ending of each day breaking through. The power of public art allows community members to immerse themselves within perspectives that differ from their own. My hope for this piece is to inspire community members to not only be present in their own changing seasons, but within those of their peers and community.

Connect – Instagram

Gallery:

Call to Artists

Download a printable version of this call here.

Call Summary 

Public Arts Midland is seeking local artists to transform a bench into art, creating something beautiful and functional that shares cultural traditions and offers connection. Artists will create a design and paint on locally crafted wood benches at the Creative 360 location.  The completed benches will be installed throughout Midland County through the fall of 2023.

Murals have always been powerful tools to educate and inform community members over a wide variety of topics. As Public Arts Midland’s vision statement notes, “We believe that art connects, heals, inspires, teaches, and speaks to us in myriad ways that build stronger and more vibrant communities.”  Public art gives our community a collective voice and a platform to express these values, while also bringing awareness to the beauty of our city’s physical and cultural landscape. These bench mini-murals are to be family friendly and a captivating addition to the downtown scene and surrounding areas. Public Arts Midland aligns to the broader vision of Midland County –

Midland: An inclusive community.  Together. Forward. Bold. An exceptional place where everyone thrives.

Bench Design 3D Model for Reference

Project Description

The primary goal of this project is to share the variety of cultural traditions that make up this unique community. From the traditions and knowledge of the Anishinaabeg and their relationship to our rivers, to the history of the 65 settlers who founded the city in 1850. From the multigenerational families still farming on the outskirts of the county, to the international families coming to Midland from as far away as Shanghai and Brazil. From the Mid Century Modern architects who created unique homes and gathering places in our city, to the citizens who are working to rebuild the Village of Sanford destroyed by the 2020 flood. The challenge is to create something beautiful and functional that encourages dialogue, shares important historical, community and cultural traditions from Midland County, and offers the literal opportunity for connection while sitting together and sharing.

Art Requirements

The submitted design should:

• Be interesting, beautiful and functional and share cultural traditions of the residents of Midland county, connecting while being inclusive, and with no elements that may be considered offensive.
• Incorporate the color Calypso, SW6950 by Sherwin Williams (a turquoise color), as a connection point between all benches and a nod to the book The Turquoise Table, Finding Community and Connection In Your Own Front Yard by Kristin Schell.
• Use only specific materials that can withstand the outdoors (materials will be provided by Public Arts Midland).

Art Location for Bench Painting

Creative 360
5501 Jefferson Ave
Midland, MI 48640

Budget

The selected artists will be awarded $500 for all time spent on the design and painting of the bench. The cost of the paint and materials will be covered by Public Arts Midland.

Artist Eligibility 

This call is open to emerging and professional artists, both working independently and/or with a team, within Midland County, Michigan. This can be anyone from a student to an experienced artist. It is suggested that applicants have experience working with paint.  Public Arts Midland has a commitment to promoting equal opportunities for all, without regard to race, sex, gender, color, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other basis prescribed by law.

Members of the Public Arts Midland Committee may submit to participate in this project, but those who do will be recused from the voting process.

Mentorship Program

A mentorship program is being offered to all artists for this project to provide guidance and support. You may email Public Arts Midland at publicartsmidland@gmail.com to get mentor help with the application process, or please indicate on the application that you are interested in having a mentor. A mentor will be required for all artists under the age of 18.

Note:  Anyone interested in being a mentor may apply at publicartsmidland@gmail.com. A mentor stipend is available.

Application Requirements

• Statement of Interest including name, age if under 18, and contact information (No more than 300 words | PDF format)
• Images of Past Work (Optional, but recommended)
• Mock up of Design on the Bench Templates found Here
• Name and contact information must be on each page that is submitted, including the Design pages
• Hard copy submissions may be dropped off at the Midland Area Community Foundation, 76 Ashman Circle, Midland, M-F, 9-5.

Deadline 

Deadline for submission is June 4, 2023 at 11:59 PM. – THE DEADLINE HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO 06/11/23 at 11:59 PM

Submission Address 

A complete application, including all required documents, should be submitted with the subject line “PAM Neighborhood Bench Project” to publicartsmidland@gmail.com by 11:59 pm 6/11/2023.

Hard copy submissions may be dropped off at the Midland Area Community Foundation, 76 Ashman Circle, Midland, M-F, 9-5.

Selection Process 

All submissions that meet the stated requirements will be reviewed by the Public Arts Midland selection committee.  The artists whose designs receive the most votes will be given the opportunity to create a bench.  Voting will take place on June 15, 2023 and artists selected will be notified no later than June 17, 2023.

Note:  Public Arts Midland members who submit designs for consideration will not be included as members of the selection committee.

Selection Criteria 

The selection criteria will include the following:

•     Interpretation and clarity of description of project idea
•     Creativity, originality, feasibility, and scope of artwork
•     Artistic quality, composition, and overall design of work

Project Timeline 

Submission deadline: June 11, 2023 at 11:59 PM

Voting happens: June 15, 2023

Announcement of Chosen Artists: June 17, 2023

Mandatory Artist Meeting:  June 21, 2023, 6-7pm

Painting Period: June 24, 2023 – July 22, 2023

Completion date (including installation): No later than Aug 10, 2023

Resources for Questions 

For questions specific to the application process, please contact Dacia Parker at publicartsmidland@gmail.com.

Visit publicartsmidland.org to learn more about the work we do in Midland County.
You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram @publicartsmidland.

This activity is supported by the MICHIGAN ARTS AND CULTURE COUNCIL and the NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS.

This project is facilitated with support from Creative 360 and Parker Lane Art & Design Studios.

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