News photo by Temi Fadayomi. Thunder Bay Arts Council artist Barbara Weisnburg’s artwork is on display in the council’s gallery on August 8.
ALPENA – The Thunder Bay Arts Gallery in downtown Alpena is a popular place for local artists to showcase their talent and engage with the community.
For more than a decade, the gallery has provided a platform for artists from diverse disciplines and fostered a creative environment where art and community come together.
Jan Herring, one of the gallery’s founding members, has been creating jewelry for years. Her journey began with a simple bracelet she made after being inspired by a unique piece she saw in Harrisville.
Since then, Herring’s passion for jewelry making has grown and he began working with materials such as sterling silver and copper.
“For me, it’s just a fun hobby,” Herring said. “It gives me something to do and it’s always exciting to see people appreciate the work I put into each piece.”
News photo by Temi Fadayomi. Thunder Bay Arts Council member Eugene Cambre stands next to his photography on display in the council’s gallery on August 8.
The gallery is home to 25 artists, including Herring, Eugene Cambre, and Rita Hess. Each artist brings a unique style and perspective to the gallery, enriching the diversity of artworks on display.
Cambre, who specializes in photography, and Hess, who paints, contribute to the diverse spectrum of artistic expressions found within the gallery walls.
“Any artist will tell you that they are drawn to making art,” Hess said. “Art is something that you start to miss when you don’t do it for a while. You have to get back into it.”
Now in its 12th year, the gallery is more than just a place to exhibit art, it is also a collaborative space where artists support each other, whether by sharing shifts or exchanging ideas.
This sense of community is crucial for the artists, as they rely on the gallery not only to sell their work, but also to connect with others who share their passion.
News photo by Temi Fadayomi. Thunder Bay Arts Council member Jan Herring stands next to her jewelry on display in the council’s gallery on August 8.
“We all look out for each other here,” said Cambre. “It’s more than just a gallery. It’s a community.”
The gallery’s significance extends beyond the artists themselves. It serves as a cultural hub for the Alpena community and attracts visitors of all ages. The diverse offering of artwork, from intricate jewelry and vibrant paintings to detailed photography and ceramics, ensures there is something for everyone.
“The art here touches every age group,” noted Hess. “From children to 90-year-olds, everyone seems to find something they can identify with or appreciate.”
Social media and local connections play a crucial role in promoting the gallery and the artists’ work. Platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, as well as partnerships with local businesses, help spread the word about the gallery and attract visitors from near and far.
News photo by Temi Fadayomi. Thunder Bay Arts Council artist Pamela O’Neil’s artwork is on display in the council’s gallery on August 8.
News photo by Temi Fadayomi. Thunder Bay Arts Council member Rita Hess stands next to her paintings on display in the council’s gallery on Aug. 8.
News photo by Temi Fadayomi. Artwork by a Thunder Bay Arts Council artist is on display in the council’s gallery on Aug. 8.
News photo by Temi Fadayomi. Artwork by a Thunder Bay Arts Council artist is on display in the council’s gallery on Aug. 8.
News photo by Temi Fadayomi. Artwork by a Thunder Bay Arts Council artist is on display in the council’s gallery on Aug. 8.
