Art Center Hires New Director

The Directors of the South Haven Art Association have announced the appointment of Marie Maguire as their new director of the South Haven Center for the Arts.

Ms. Maguire, a Vicksburg resident, brings a variety of art-related experiences to the position, having coordinated art education programming for 13 school districts and 80 schools in southern Michigan and also serving as art education director for a collaboration of arts agencies in the Battle Creek area.

"With advanced degrees in both psychology and graphic design, and her experience in supervising a large volunteer program, her skills will be most welcome at the Art Center," noted Interim Director Elaine Fluck. “Marie has experience facilitating musical and theatrical events as well as visual arts programs.”

Among her many interests Ms. Maguire includes reading, hiking, traveling and visiting historical sites, and spending time with her family and her dog Cooper. She looks forward to moving to South Haven and beginning work in early May.

"Time to Relax": Theme for Annual Members' Show at Art Center
Entry deadline May 5th and 6th

The 58th Annual Members' Show of the South Haven Center for the Arts will feature artwork based on the theme "Time to Relax." The exhibition will be held May 9 through June 15 with an opening reception on Saturday, May 10 from 6:00 to 8:30 pm at which time prizes for best theme, people’s choice and purchase awards will be presented. Trelleborg Automotive is again sponsoring this event.

This exhibit provides an annual opportunity for Art Center members to show their talents in a variety of media. All current members are invited to submit up to three works. Those relating to the theme “Time to Relax” will be featured in the main gallery while non-theme items will be displayed in the upstairs gallery. All artwork will be original and produced within the last three years.

Artists are encouraged to sell their work during the show. If you are not currently an Art Center member, enroll by calling 269-637-1041, or stop by the Art Center at 600 Phoenix, South Haven, or go to the website at www.southhavenarts.org.

Italian class at South Haven Center for the Arts
May 6 though 27, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm

The South Haven Center for the Arts will offer a repeat of its popular beginner's class in Italian conversation. Taught by WMU Professor Lee deLisle, the class will meet Tuesday evenings, May 6 though 27, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the Art Center, 600 Phoenix St., South Haven.

The required textbook Italian for Dummies is available at most bookstores. The class will provide opportunities to learn basic phrases helpful to travelers – or those wishing to impress their friends in Italian restaurants. Video and photo presentations will help create the right mood for this fun class.

Members of the Center may enroll for $70.00, nonmembers for $75.00. La Lingua Bella is designed for beginners as well as those who enjoyed last year’s class.

Dr. deLisle, a frequent visitor to Italy, currently owns a home north of Rome, where he and his wife spend summers enjoying la vita bella.

Call 637-1041 now to enroll.

South Haven Center for the Arts Opens “Ship Shapes” Family Exhibition Featuring Maritime Art & Models Opening Reception Friday, Dec. 14

Ship Shapes, a family exhibition of maritime and nautical arts and models will open at the South Haven Center for the Arts on Friday, Dec. 14 through Sunday, Feb. 2, 2008. The exhibit is in collaboration with the Michigan Maritime Museum and will feature historical and contemporary art, as well as sailor crafts, navigational maps and charts and the work of a number of local and regional artists. The open reception will be held Friday, Dec. 14 from 6 to 8 p.m. and will feature music, wine and refreshments and is open to the general public free of charge.

Regional artists with original works featured in the exhibit include John Davidson, John Babcock, Bob Tomlin and other from South Haven, Michael Dunn of Kalamazoo, Pat Camillo of Hamilton, and Charmaine Kaptur of Grosse Point. Other local artists will also be represented, as well as items from the collections of local families and businesses.

"Our winter exhibit is always geared towards the family and will feature items that will interest all generations," explains Executive Director Sharon Mack. "We are pleased to have the Michigan Maritime Museum join us in the exhibit. The gallery will be filled with items from the history of South Haven when the harbor was filled with commercial and private vessels, but also to present a number of contemporary pieces on the same theme."

"It is really an opportunity to learn about the time when shipping was a major industrial and commercial part of the area’s economic foundation. It is also a chance to see the different perspectives of life on the water from both the commercial and private leisure point of view," adds Mack.

Schools tours through the exhibit can be scheduled by calling the SHCA office at 269-627-1041. The gallery is open during regular business hours: Tuesday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Mondays.

The Film Institute of South Haven (FISH) is proud to present its second season of film and discussion series for the community.

Winter is the perfect time to enjoy a good film, participate in lively conversation, and gain a fresh viewing perspective. Each film will be introduced by a film specialist or instructor. All films are free and begin at 3 pm. at the South Haven Campus, Room 141. The South Haven Center for the Arts and Lake Michigan College are proud to present the following films:

Click here for PDF of 2008 Film Schedule >>

Jazz Pianist Kayle Clements to Perform at
Mistletoe Market Preview Party
on Nov. 16

“I've always been fascinated by the keyboard," says jazz pianist Kayle Clements. "The touch, the sound, the texture, the subtle nuances. My brother played the trumpet when we were kids. I thought it was cool that I could play a lot of notes while he could just play one.”

Kayle Clements will be performing at South Haven Center for the Arts during the Mistletoe Market Preview Party on Friday, November 16 from 6 to 9 p.m. SHCA is located at 600 Phoenix, South Haven.  Tickets for the Preview Party are just $15 and available at by calling 269-637-1041 or at the SHCA office. This solo performance features Kayle, the piano, his vivid musical imagination and unique stylings.

“I am so pleased we are able to bring in an artist of Kayle’s caliber for the Preview Party event. I have known Kayle for many years through St. Cecilia Music Society and consider him to be one of the most talented and personable musicians I have ever worked with,” states Sharon Mack, executive director at SHCA.

Kayle is recognized as one of the premier jazz pianists in the West Michigan area. A featured solo performer, conductor and arranger, Kayle is well-known as a performer and musical director for numerous productions at Circle Theatre, Grand Rapids Civic Theater, Hope College, Actors’ Theater and others. He has performed with the national touring company of Disney's Beauty and the Beast, and as a pit musician in professional and semi-professional productions.

Kayle has also performed with local and national acts throughout Michigan and the Chicago-land area. He released “Bright Holidays,” a collection of original and traditional Christmas songs and carols in 2005 and is working on a second CD of original jazz and jazz standards, scheduled to debut in November 2007. His CDs will be available for sale throughout the Mistletoe Market.

Preview Party attendees should expect an evening full of original music mixed with jazz favorites. “I love classical music for its discipline and structure but jazz gives me the opportunity to be original, to explore and to not be tied to the notes on the page. With jazz, I can improvise and Beethoven won’t roll over. I hope you enjoy it.”

“The Mistletoe Market Preview Party attracted a standing room only crowd last year,” explains Mack. “With the additional of Kayle’s music, fabulous food and wine, and the incredible artwork for sale, it should be a wonderful event.” The event is designed to give patrons a first glimpse at the arts and crafts being sold by more than 50 original artists from Saturday, Nov. 16 through Sunday, Dec. 2. For additional information or to become a volunteer for the event, please call SHCA at 269-637-1041.

For more information on Kayle, visit www.csongs.com.

Mistletoe Stroll Singers & Musicians Needed

As part of the festivities of the upcoming Mistletoe Stroll, sponsored by DASH, on Saturday, Nov. 24 in downtown South Haven, the South Haven Center for the Arts is helping to contribute to the holiday ambience by organizing small ensembles of choral and music performers for the event.

SHCA is currently seeking volunteer groups or individuals to sing or play musical instruments during one-half hour to one hour shifts in front of various retail establishments and strolling through the downtown area either from 11:30 to 1:30p.m. or 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.

“We have confirmed performances by Anchor Baptist Church and the Friends of  Goodwill Singers. However, we need to add more to the list so that each group is responsible for a short period of time and we can add variety to the type of performance,”  states SHCA Executive Director Sharon Mack.

If you have a choir or know of anyone that would enjoy these festive and artful activities, please feel free to call SHCA at 269-637-1041 and express your interest in participating. Performers can stop in at South Haven Center for the Arts to warm up with hot drinks and refreshments before or after shifts and can enjoy the SHCA Mistletoe Market being held from Nov. 17 through Dec. 2.

“We believe this would be a wonderful and creative gift to the community and we look forward to hearing from anyone interested in getting involved. It is a time to share your talents, joys and best wishes with the community and begin a wonderful holiday season in South Haven,” adds Mack.

South Haven to honor the Harvest Moon with
Events and Activities Through October

As noted in numerous folklore stories, the great harvest moon is the full moon nearest to the autumnal equinox, which occurs in mid-September and lights up the autumn evening through mid-October. In fact, the full moons of September and October have special significance since they rise earlier than the typical full moon throughout the year and therefore allow more light between sunset and evening.

This extended period of light allows for longer and more productive harvest days and for the Downtown Association of South Haven (DASH) it means more time to shop! Downtown merchants and organizations will be celebrating the early rise of the harvest moon this year by offering a number of gatherings, festive activities and events throughout October.

Various businesses and organizations in South Haven will join together for South Haven’s Harvest Moon Gathering, beginning with the display of imaginative, one-of-a-kind Scarecrows on Parade welcoming visitors throughout the downtown area, coordinated by Karen Acerra of Day Lily.  These creative harvest creations will be designed by retailers, organizations and individuals. A “How To” book is available at Day Lily for those that need a creative boost and straw can be purchased from area farms. Each entry will be judged for originality and craftsmanship on Friday, Oct. 5. A people’s Choice Award will also be selected and announced at the end of the restaurant Harvest Hop event on Sunday, Oct. 7.

Special events begin with Par for Paws Al-Van Humane Society Golf Outing on Sunday, Sep. 30 and performances of Our Town Player’s Shorts and Sweets. The celebration will also feature a Harvest Moon Book Sale from Thursday, Oct. 4 through Saturday, Oct. 6.

A large variety of Harvest Moon events will happen throughout the day on Saturday, Oct. 6 with the DeGrandchamp’s Cranberry Harvest, a special Apple Pie Social at the Farmer’s Market, sponsored by the South Haven Garden Club, and an invitation to participate in the Blue Coast Artist’s Tour, Oct. 6-7.

A large crowd will more than likely be gathering at St. Basil’s Church for a large heaping of pancakes and syrup at the Knights of Columbus Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, Oct. 7. Later, in the evening, the celebration will continue with the Harvest Hop Appetizer and Wine Tasting Tour throughout the downtown area from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Tickets for the event are $20 for adults and $5 for children and are available at Phoenix Street Café, South Haven Area Chamber of Commerce and the Visitor’s Bureau. Guests can hop from place to place to sample their fill of wonderful fall harvest hors d’oeuvres and regional wine selections. Restaurants participating in the event include Phoenix Street Café, the Vineyard, Harborside Bistro, Tello’s and Clementine’s. Dessert and dancing will follow at York’s Landing at which time the Scarecrow People’s Choice Award will be announced.

Other events include the South Haven Area Emergency Services (S.H.A.E.S.) Fun Fair on Thursday, Oct. 11 from 5-8 p.m. at the South Haven Fire Station, a Michigan Wine Tasting and Appreciation event from 6:30 -9 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 12 at Lake Michigan College and a the Beta Sigma Phi Taffy Apple Sale at the Farmer’s Market on Saturday, Oct. 13.

A full schedule of events are planned for Saturday, Oct. 20 including a Children’s Movie from 1-3 p.m. at South Haven Memorial Library, a Hospice Wine Tasting fundraising event and South Haven Ghost Tours will be offered from 7 to 8 p.m. and 8:15 to 9:15 p.m. starting and ending in front of Clementines. Tickets for the ghost tours are $6 for adults and $3 for children under 12. A family rate for two adults with more than three children is $20. Tickets are available at the Visitors Bureau and Whimsey and may be purchased in front of Clementines the night of the event. The horse drawn wagon is sponsored by the Historical Association of South Haven.  Also planned are the Casco Township Rural Road Race at 2 p.m. and the Beta Sigma Phi Holiday Wreath and Garland Sale at the Farmers’ Market.

Rachel Vochaska, Executive Director of the Greater South Haven Area Chamber of Commerce, is pleased to announce a partnership between South Haven based business Rock-N-Road and the Van Buren County Road Commission (VBCRC) in coordinating an event aimed at gathering regional awareness about cycling as well as promoting ridership along the Kal-Haven Trail.

Boo on Your Bike, a new event for 2008, will take place on Sunday, Oct. 21. The event is being coordinated by Rock-N-Road owners Scott and Erin Zoet and the event is designed to provide the entire family with fun and entertainment as they ride a five mile stretch on the Kal-Haven Trail between South Haven and Kibbie.  Working with VBCRC Special Operations Officer Jeff Mitchell, the Greater South Haven Area Chamber of Commerce has secured complimentary trail passes for the event.

Vochaska states, “This is a win-win situation for everyone. Not only do we gain the opportunity to promote and encourage ridership on the trail, we also generate exposure for one of our local Chamber members, Rock-N-Road, while offering a fun, activity packed free-of-charge event along with the natural surroundings.” For more information about Boo on Your Bike, contact Rock-N-Road at 269-639-0003.

On Friday, Oct. 26, South Haven Memorial Library will sponsor a Teen Movie from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. and S.H.A.E.S. will hold its Haunted House from 6 to 10 p.m. The haunted house will continue on Saturday, Oct. 27 from 6-10 p.m.

In case you are wondering what Ghouls, Doodles, Giggles and Goblins have in common, join the South Haven Center for the Arts, 600 Phoenix, for games, treats, arts and prizes under the direction of art instructor Sarah Benson from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Make and Take items will be created and all ages can participate free of charge. Visitors can also enjoy the Africa Today exhibit at the Art Center through Nov. 4.

It is a full month of Harvest Moon Gathering events in honor of the cool and colorful time of year. Families are encouraged to take a short drive to South Haven, get a bite to eat, participate in an event or two and make October a month long harvest celebration.

Africa Today
Sept. 14 - to Nov. 4

At the Cafe, by Powell Matsongoni of Zimbabwe Street Song, by Basil Baqwa of South Africa Big Sister, by Komla Lawoe of Ghana Masai Moonlight, by Zack Aswani of Kenya

Special Exhibition to Open Sept. 14 Africa Today Giving Voice to the Contemporary Art of Africa The South Haven Center for the Arts is partnering with Saugatuck-based Amazwi Contemporary Art Gallery to present a special exhibition on the contemporary arts and artists of today’s Africa. The exhibit is entitled Africa Today and will run from Sept. 14 to Nov. 4 on the first floor gallery of SHCA at 600 Phoenix in downtown South Haven. A special opening reception is planned for Sept. 14 from 7 to 9 p.m. at which complementary food and beverages, including South African wine, will be served. The event is free and open to the general public. Since first opening for business in 2004, Amazwi has offered original contemporary paintings, sculpture, jewelry and unique craft items from throughout Africa – Zimbabwe and South Africa to the South, Ghana to the West, and Kenya, Tanzania and Sudan to the East. There is not another gallery with this unique focus for several hundreds of miles. Amazwi is a Zulu and Ndebele (two separate tribes in southern Africa) word for "voices". Gallery owners Mike Tischleder and Wally Peterson, along with gallery manager Audrey Cavanaugh, are delighted to be giving a voice to and raising awareness of the vivid, colorful, soulful, joyous and often unexpected work being created by native artists living and working in Africa today. "Part of our mission at the SHCA is to open people’s minds to the limitless potential of creativity and artistic expression both here at home and around the world," said Sharon Mack, executive director of the South Haven Center for the Arts. "Many people have a deep fascination with all things Africa that stems back to their childhoods, but due to time, distance, expense, and in some cases fear, they are not able to experience it firsthand. That’s why we wanted to expose our patrons to the beautiful art being created in Africa under sometimes very trying circumstances," adds Mack. "We usually hear and focus on the bad news coming out of Africa, while the Amazwi exhibition celebrates the power of the human spirit." Tischleder and Petersen have been on several trips to Africa, both to buy art and to go on photo safaris. Nothing pleases them more than to be able to personally meet with their artists and to see and hear how proud and grateful the artists are that their work has struck such a positive chord with so many of Amazwi’s customers in a faraway and exotic-sounding (to them) place like Michigan. In addition to the exhibit, there will be an informative talk about contemporary African art during the opening reception and a children’s activity related to the exhibit, which will be announced at a later date. Please call SHCA at 269-637-1041 for further information.

South Haven Center for the Arts
Volunteer Opportunities

Welcome to the South Haven Center for the Arts Volunteer Program!
 The SHCA’s staff and board thank you for expressing interest
 in working for the Art Center on a voluntary basis.

Since our inception over 50 years ago, we have created a “volunteer friendly” atmosphere. As a volunteer you enable us to keep 75% of our programming free to everyone and we are 100% dependent on you.   Volunteer involvement – whether it is a few hours hosting at an opening event, hanging art for an exhibit, stuffing envelopes, collating materials, pulling weeds or becoming a gallery receptionist – is a key asset to the success of our growing organization.

Volunteer participation is an integral aspect of the South Haven Center for the Arts. It provides a means to assist with program tasks and adds another level of education and arts advocacy for participants. Volunteers are needed for all SHCA events and programs. Some of the volunteer tasks require a very short commitment (1 to 2 hours) and others a little longer, such as the more extensive fundraising events and educational programs. All volunteers will be treated with respect and will be assured that the service they provide is much needed and greatly appreciated.

Why does the Art Center need volunteers?

Volunteers bring enthusiasm, energy, added talents, and a fresh perspective to our operations.. They enrich the organization’s offerings, rather than provide basic service. Volunteer service helps us make the best use of our fiscal resources. Volunteers are liaisons to the community and by their contribution are advocates for the arts!

When you volunteer for the South Haven Center for the Arts, we match your interest, time and skills with our needs. We also give you training for every job or project you choose. Staff and other trained volunteers will work closely with you to ensure your contributions bring both satisfaction to you and success to us. Successful volunteers are trained volunteers and proud representatives of South Haven Center for the Arts.

How do you become a volunteer?

If you are interested in volunteering, please complete the application included in this packet and drop it off or send it to the South Haven Center for the Arts, 600 Phoenix, South Haven, MI, 49090. After your application has been reviewed, a staff member will call you. Please be aware that some volunteer positions require a fixed schedule, while others are more flexible.

Any volunteer under 16 years of age will be considered a “student intern” and must submit a Student Intern Parental Consent Form signed by their parent or guardian.

Thank you for your interest in joining us to keep
 community in the arts and arts in the community!

SHCA Volunteer Jobs:

1. Gaining skills and experience in the arts
2. Building career references
3. Meeting people with common interests
4. Become part of a team that is truly making a difference
5. Create meaning in your life
6. Meet new people and create lifelong relationships

1. July Annual Art Fair: Looking for a great summer time event? The Art Center can always use people to help in set up and clean up of this large art event in Stanley Johnson Park on the first Sunday in July. Those interested in assisting can be directly connected with the Art Fair Committee and will receive information and instruction prior to the event.



2. May Spring Benefit Auction/Dinner: Attend event committee meetings. Assist with set up and take down of auction displays and items. Greet guests as they arrive and thank them at departure. Monitor auction tables and encourage competitive bidding. Help with the check out process.



3. Mistletoe Market: This is the second largest fundraiser of the year for SHCA, involving dozens of volunteers and weeks of preparation. There is a long list of jobs in relation to this event and volunteers can be very useful in a number of aspects of event planning and execution. Volunteers will be directly connected with the Mistletoe Market Committee beginning in September and October. The event is usually held the weekend before Thanksgiving through the end of the first week of December.



4. Event/Exhibit Receptions: Arrive early to help with set up and food preparation. Serve as a greeter and direct visitors through the exhibit. Help with the distribution of promotional materials and mailings prior to the event. Get experience in exhibition organizing and meet the artists featured in the exhibit. Help with set up and clean up. Volunteer to make baked goods and other refreshments to be served.



5. Office Assistant: Assist with mailings, copying, database entry, filing and other clerical tasks. Spend some time with volunteers and staff as we prepare for membership renewals, annual fund, newsletter distribution and other small jobs.



6. Photographer/Graphic Design: SHCA is always looking for interesting and creative photos to use in Art Center publicity, creative graphic design for publications and news articles to area media. If you are specifically interested in the art of photography or graphic design, please contact the Art Center at 637-1041 to get a listing of activities that would serve as interesting photographic opportunities.



7. Concert events: Serve as ushers during performances, hand out programs and answer basic questions from guests. Serve on the clean up committee or technical assistance committee. Help with promotional ideas and opportunities to get the word out to your peers and community connections.



8. Weekend Gallery Receptionist: Spend three hours on Saturday or Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m., greeting our weekend guests and showing them through our ever changing exhibits. As gallery receptionist, you will be an SHCA ambassador for the afternoon and make our guests feel welcome and wanting to return for a future visit. You will keep busy on small administrative projects between greeting guests and will often have the opportunity to learn about other people, other places and meet prospective members.



9. Building and Grounds: The South Haven Center for the Arts is housed in the 1905 Carnegie Library building on the corner of Phoenix and Broadway in downtown South Haven. This historic treasure needs constant loving care and attention by those that appreciate historic architecture and local history. Please give use a call of you would like to help out as a handyperson, painter, and landscaper, or help tend to our floral urns throughout the year!



10. Tour Guide/Special Events: Receive training and in depth information about our special exhibits and events so that you can guide guests through with confidence. Tour guides are true ambassadors for the Art Center and enhance the experience for our visitors.

Involvement in the South Haven Center for the Arts Volunteer Program is a way to enrich your own life while enriching someone else’s life in your community.

HERMAN MILLER GRANT APPROVED

We are beginning the New Year with the announcement of a Herman Miller grant that has been approved for the purchase and installation of new office furnishings throughout the Art Center building. The application was approved in late December which allows for the redesign and installation of a new Action Office System. WorkSquared of Grand Rapids will be installing the new furnishings in the lower office, lobby and executive office over the next couple of months.

“This is a wonderful addition to the facility, offering a fresh, new look and an inviting atmosphere,” states executive director Sharon Mack. “We are so pleased that Herman Miller has joined in our efforts to improve our work and exhibition space. It says a lot about their belief in our mission and efforts to enhance the lives of the residents of southwest Michigan.”

ART CENTER ELECTS OFFICERS AND NEW BOARD MEMBERS AT ANNUAL MEETING

The South Haven Center for the Arts held its Annual Meeting and Election of Officers on Tuesday, December 19 at a gathering at Lake Michigan College. The business agenda included the annual election of board members. A welcoming reception followed the regular business meeting.

The following officers were approved by unanimous vote of those in attendance: Sylvia Sperry, president; Dana Getman, vice president; Dick Olsen, treasurer; Sandra Tyrell, secretary. Also, board members Toni Carroll and Lee DeLisle were re-elected for a two year term and Rosie Thurber was re-elected for a one year term.

The following new board members were unanimously approved for a two-year term: Marta Cerda, Greg Hass, Char Henry, Patrick McKearnan, Erin Moody Zoet, Sally Newton, Jessie Nicole Olson, Cymbre Fleming Peterson. Also, Sara Hardina and Bonnie Greydanus were elected for one year terms.

“The Nominations Committee worked diligently to broaden the representation on the board as we enter a restructuring phase in the professional development of SHCA,” added executive director Sharon Mack. “We were very pleased with the positive response to our recruitment efforts. The board will be focusing on a number of issues in 2007, including broadening the financial foundation, committee restructuring, special events planning and strengthening arts education programming.”

The Center is open Tues -Thurs 10-5, Fri 10-4, Sat and Sundays 1-4pm. The Center is located at 600 Phoenix Street in downtown South Haven. For more information, call 269-637-1041.