Edition No. 46
Arts and Culture
Grosse Pointe Artists Association hosts their fan favorite exhibition, Our Rivers, Our Lakes, which serves to celebrate the beauty of nature, including our rivers and lakes.
Image: A Good Breeze Would Help by Victor Pytko
American Democracy
A recent piece for The Atlantic argues that universities and colleges need to do more to prepare students for effective citizenship; a piece of special interest to us and our American Democracy initiative.
Our Rivers, Our Lakes 2021
Returning to the Grosse Pointe Artists Association gallery this year is the beloved exhibition, Our Rivers, Our Lakes. This exhibition, which celebrates the beauty and tranquility of our rivers and lakes, has been a favorite among artists and art lovers. This year’s show features pieces from 45 various artists, many of which advocate for environmental causes. The show was juried by Sabrina Miller, an ecosystem specialist with the Army Corps of America; it was clear based on her awards and honorable mentions that she is passionate about wetlands and preserving our natural habitat.
You can view Our Rivers, Our Lakes in person at the GPAA gallery at The War Memorial, now through November 4. Viewing hours are 2-6:30pm on Thursdays and 10am-1pm on Saturdays.
BEST OF SHOW
Thirst by Robert Maniscalco
Description: Thirst captures that precious moment when our longing, that thirst for the object of our desire, the satisfaction of this most basic need, is finally quenched. It is an inner ecstasy. It is God speaking directly to our soul. It is satisfying on the deepest level because it connects us with others who understand this feeling. It is immediate, it lasts but an instant. It is personal yet universal.
Dimensions: 18inx18in
Material: Oil on panel
Price: $650
HONORABLE MENTION
SS Tregurtha by Winnie Chrzanowski
Description: Photo framed, matted & printed on archival material
Dimensions: 19inx23in
Material: Archival photo paper
Year: 2019
Price: $250
SECOND PRIZE
Gallup Park Reflections by Dennis Gordon
Description: I am fascinated with how our rivers and lakes create patterns and reflections. I also love how they invite us to go out and in them. This is my woodcut of tree reflections on the Huron River.
Dimensions: 16inx22in
Material: Woodcut printed with oil-based relief inks
Price: $385
THIRD PLACE
Cascading Water by Katarzyna Korytowska
Description: In 2018 we went for a lengthy trip to northern Michigan and had the opportunity to see 12 different waterfalls. This was one of them. It had crystal clear blue water.
Dimensions: 48inx60in
Material: Oil on canvas
Price: $3,200
And for those interested in participating in the next exhibition, entries are currently being accepted for the upcoming show, Feast for the Eyes. Artists are asked to capture and share the sights, sounds, smells, and memories of the holiday experience. Alex Fedirko, assistant art director at The Parade Company, will serve as the show juror. The deadline for entries is Monday, October 25. Click here to enter today!
Universities are Shunning their Responsibility to Democracy
Ronald J. Daniels, The Atlantic, October 3, 2021
In a piece for The Atlantic, Johns Hopkins University President Ronald J. Daniels drew on his forthcoming book, What Universities Owe Democracy, to make the case that universities can, and furthermore should, do more to prepare students for informed and effective citizenship. His piece was of special interest to us as it argues that America’s colleges and universities should begin doing for their students what we have been trying to do for our audience through our American Democracy initiative here at The War Memorial
President Daniels, like many observers, sees a lack of knowledge and understanding of our system of government and the Enlightenment values upon which it is based as at the core of our many of present political dysfunction. Unlike many observers, however, Daniels perceives our present moment as an opportunity to do something about civic education, beginning with our colleges and universities: “Making education for democracy a core element of higher education’s mission will face its own obstacles, and maybe tougher ones. Chief among them will be the political and ideological divisions, often bitter and unyielding, that can turn any conversation about common values into a ferocious encounter. But we are at a rare moment when the left and the right seem to be aligned behind the idea that more civic education is crucial.” The piece is insightful but still approachable and a quick read, for access click on the link below.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at lcelebi@warmemorial.org.