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June 17, 2019
Ottawa County Art Trust adds new works to its collection
At the second annual Ottawa County Art Trust Exhibition reception, organizers will announce which works will be purchased to become part of the permanent art collection of the Ottawa County Art Trust. The reception is on June 24 from 5:30 to 7:30PM in the County’s Administration Building (12220 Fillmore Street, West Olive). The public is welcome.
A total of 77 entries were submitted by 42 artists who live or work in Ottawa County. All of the works will be on display at the Fillmore Administration Building following the reception, Monday through Friday from 8AM - 5PM until August 23.
Former Director for the Holland Area Arts Council, Lorma Williams Freestone, served as juror, selecting the newest additions to the permanent collection.
Residents can get involved by:
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Viewing & appreciating the art at the exhibition.
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Purchasing art from the show for their homes or offices. A portion of the sale goes to the trust.
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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.
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Donating to the Art Trust which will enable it to purchase more works.
Those wishing to make a purchase or gift may contact Shannon Felgner with Ottawa County or Mary Sundstrom of the Holland Area Arts Council.
Last year, Ottawa County and the Holland Area Arts Council joined forces to establish the Ottawa County Art Trust Exhibition. Earlier this year, the partners invited local artists to enter their Ottawa County themed works in the second annual juried exhibition.
Culture and creativity are important to Ottawa County leaders. As a government organization, the County has taken what may be considered a unique position for government, forging a creativity and innovation program. Establishing an Art Trust is a very tangible way to demonstrate the importance of culture and creativity. At the same time, the trust will preserve a legacy of art for generations of residents to come.
Historically, government has taken an active role in preserving and promoting the arts. Art preservations and trusts were at one time considered a civic responsibility. Experts know that art
- stimulates business and tourism;
- cultivates imagination and creativity among young minds, enhancing academic achievement;
- fosters mental and emotional health, contributing to overall well-being; and
- creates a sense of place and a desirable quality of life.
"We know that that the Ottawa County Art Trust alone will not achieve all these benefits of art, but we do believe that the Art Trust will contribute to the vision of Ottawa County being a welcoming place. A place where everyone can belong, " said Al Vanderberg, County Administrator.
Artists who missed this year's exhibition can look forward to the event in 2020. Ottawa leaders 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.
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