ACTion Art Virtual Exhibit
Aaron Kowalski - "My Mother is a Garden"
Acrylic on Canvas,
27.25x23.25"
I am a happy, energetic, positive young adult. I have a passion for reptiles, marine life, birds, mammals, amphibians and zoos! My Mom and I also enjoy flowers along nature trails and when we take walks at the zoo. I love to paint flowers different ways because they are so pretty with so many colors and shapes. I have always been a visual person with an exceptional eye for color. Many of my works exude an interesting, heavy handedness and denseness, as demonstrated by the thick texture in this vase of flowers painting. I love to feel the texture of things. I am living with a significant speech, language understanding and speech disorder. I love the art studio and making art because it gives me many ways to share my ideas, thoughts and artistic style with others.
This orange and white striped vase holds spring treasures. They are tulips, daffodils and hyacinths. These were inspired by my mother's love for flowers. Her garden, which I enjoy tending with her, is colorful and beautiful. Every time I see spring flowers, I think of my mother. The meaning of tulip is perfect love. The hyacinth is a symbol of peace, commitment, beauty, power, and pride. The daffodil represents new beginnings. These are all the things my mother gives to me. They are the things that she is made of. That is why my mother is a garden.
27.25x23.25"
I am a happy, energetic, positive young adult. I have a passion for reptiles, marine life, birds, mammals, amphibians and zoos! My Mom and I also enjoy flowers along nature trails and when we take walks at the zoo. I love to paint flowers different ways because they are so pretty with so many colors and shapes. I have always been a visual person with an exceptional eye for color. Many of my works exude an interesting, heavy handedness and denseness, as demonstrated by the thick texture in this vase of flowers painting. I love to feel the texture of things. I am living with a significant speech, language understanding and speech disorder. I love the art studio and making art because it gives me many ways to share my ideas, thoughts and artistic style with others.
This orange and white striped vase holds spring treasures. They are tulips, daffodils and hyacinths. These were inspired by my mother's love for flowers. Her garden, which I enjoy tending with her, is colorful and beautiful. Every time I see spring flowers, I think of my mother. The meaning of tulip is perfect love. The hyacinth is a symbol of peace, commitment, beauty, power, and pride. The daffodil represents new beginnings. These are all the things my mother gives to me. They are the things that she is made of. That is why my mother is a garden.
Abigail Branham - "Sunshine Forest"
Mixed Media Collage,
18x22"
Abigail has found that art has given her a voice to express herself when she cannot say the words out loud. By having an artistic older sister, Abigail easily became comfortable displaying her own creative side. Her art style demonstrates more abstract views and subject matter, but her love of bright colors always comes out in her art pieces. Abigail enjoys working with the computer and is drawn to animated programs and games. Her love of cats is also a source of inspiration in many of her art projects. Abigail is always willing to try new techniques and explore new concepts to expand her artistic abilities.
Please enjoy this spectacular aerial view of the forest. When I think of all the wonderful things in a forest, I imagine the best way to see it all is from way above it. This way you can see the sunrays stretching out to kiss the flowers that are dancing around it. You can also follow the trails and creek weaving in and out of the landscape. They can take you to wonderful places inside this space.
I chose exuberant colors and a variety of shapes to create a joy-filled experience for the viewer. I cannot say to you what I am feeling. However, I can show you through my artistry and creations. I hope that what you are seeing is also making you feel what I feel - joy!
18x22"
Abigail has found that art has given her a voice to express herself when she cannot say the words out loud. By having an artistic older sister, Abigail easily became comfortable displaying her own creative side. Her art style demonstrates more abstract views and subject matter, but her love of bright colors always comes out in her art pieces. Abigail enjoys working with the computer and is drawn to animated programs and games. Her love of cats is also a source of inspiration in many of her art projects. Abigail is always willing to try new techniques and explore new concepts to expand her artistic abilities.
Please enjoy this spectacular aerial view of the forest. When I think of all the wonderful things in a forest, I imagine the best way to see it all is from way above it. This way you can see the sunrays stretching out to kiss the flowers that are dancing around it. You can also follow the trails and creek weaving in and out of the landscape. They can take you to wonderful places inside this space.
I chose exuberant colors and a variety of shapes to create a joy-filled experience for the viewer. I cannot say to you what I am feeling. However, I can show you through my artistry and creations. I hope that what you are seeing is also making you feel what I feel - joy!
Acacia Ramirez - "Wonder Woman"
Plaster Sculpture
~12" Tall
I listen to music. I like country, hip hop, pop and rap. I like playing with my dog Oliver. And I like to watch the Vampire Diaries on Netflix.
Her name is Wonder Woman. She likes to save people. She can communicate with her mind. She can grab things using just her mind.
~12" Tall
I listen to music. I like country, hip hop, pop and rap. I like playing with my dog Oliver. And I like to watch the Vampire Diaries on Netflix.
Her name is Wonder Woman. She likes to save people. She can communicate with her mind. She can grab things using just her mind.
Alex Faichney - "Peace of Paradise"
Watercolor on Canvas,
12x16"
When I was younger, I was very involved in the arts. I sketched and drew frequently. My grandparents (grandmothers) were artists. As I got older, I became more interested in music than visual arts. I learned to play the guitar and this was what I did up until now. For the purpose of this event I delved into visual arts as a means of expression. Though it did not come naturally to me, I made an attempt at painting a picture. (This is my result.) Watercolor seemed like a good means to be more abstract. I have also submitted decoupaged works and two ukuleles that I built.
This painting was done in one day (including the development of the idea.) It is a depiction of my feeling during my time in the hospital. I am depicted as Man in a Boat being harangued by crocodiles who are a threat to me. Land (dry land) is my oasis and avoidance of the crocodiles. Musical symbols above the trees represent y current interest in music. Music brings me peace. This is why I am interested in music. Music is my refuge.
12x16"
When I was younger, I was very involved in the arts. I sketched and drew frequently. My grandparents (grandmothers) were artists. As I got older, I became more interested in music than visual arts. I learned to play the guitar and this was what I did up until now. For the purpose of this event I delved into visual arts as a means of expression. Though it did not come naturally to me, I made an attempt at painting a picture. (This is my result.) Watercolor seemed like a good means to be more abstract. I have also submitted decoupaged works and two ukuleles that I built.
This painting was done in one day (including the development of the idea.) It is a depiction of my feeling during my time in the hospital. I am depicted as Man in a Boat being harangued by crocodiles who are a threat to me. Land (dry land) is my oasis and avoidance of the crocodiles. Musical symbols above the trees represent y current interest in music. Music brings me peace. This is why I am interested in music. Music is my refuge.
Alexis Benedict - "Robin Egg"
Mixed Media,
8x3"
My name is Alexis Benedict. I live in Wyoming, Michigan and go to Grandville Schools. I like everything about art. I enjoy the use of clay. I make people and I am currently working on a wolf. Wolves are my favorite animals. I would love to see one in person. I look up images of wolves to assist me with my creations. I hope to see a live wolf someday. I also create wire jewelry using stretching cord and beads. I learned how to make rose rings from a YouTube video. Then, for my Grandmother’s birthday, I made a ring so big that it turned into a bracelet. I’ve been making bracelets ever since. When I paint, I prefer to paint on interesting surfaces such as glasses and bottles. My favorite color palette includes red, royal blue, rose gold, purple, black and white. You will see some of these colors in all of my creations. In my free time, I play Mindcraft. I carry out artistic visions when I create houses. I also watch a lot of horror movies because they don’t scare me anymore. I have done paintings inspired by scary movies. Listening to music from the 90s helps me get my artwork done.
8x3"
My name is Alexis Benedict. I live in Wyoming, Michigan and go to Grandville Schools. I like everything about art. I enjoy the use of clay. I make people and I am currently working on a wolf. Wolves are my favorite animals. I would love to see one in person. I look up images of wolves to assist me with my creations. I hope to see a live wolf someday. I also create wire jewelry using stretching cord and beads. I learned how to make rose rings from a YouTube video. Then, for my Grandmother’s birthday, I made a ring so big that it turned into a bracelet. I’ve been making bracelets ever since. When I paint, I prefer to paint on interesting surfaces such as glasses and bottles. My favorite color palette includes red, royal blue, rose gold, purple, black and white. You will see some of these colors in all of my creations. In my free time, I play Mindcraft. I carry out artistic visions when I create houses. I also watch a lot of horror movies because they don’t scare me anymore. I have done paintings inspired by scary movies. Listening to music from the 90s helps me get my artwork done.
Alexis Tomaszewski - "Beautiful Nature"
Collage,
11x17"
11x17"
Alice Lieffers - "Life Cycle of a Monarch Butterfly"
Photograph,
25x21"
I took a photography class at ACT and I absolutely love it! I take pictures and I turn them into photo cards.
This is the Life Cycle of a Monarch Butterfly. I have raised several hundred over the last few years.
25x21"
I took a photography class at ACT and I absolutely love it! I take pictures and I turn them into photo cards.
This is the Life Cycle of a Monarch Butterfly. I have raised several hundred over the last few years.
Allan Milton - "Statue of Liberty (Lady Liberty) New York City"
Oil Pastel,
11x17"
I am a cartoonist here in Grand Rapids. I'm also an expert media artist. I like drawing and painting and I'm a creator of Girls vs. Aliens on YouTube so my dream is to work at Warner Bros. Studios and I will move to Canada. My favorite kind of art is technological art.
New York City is a big apple. Broadway! City of lights. And most importantly the New York Yankees. I chose Lady Liberty because she's blue and is a lady holding a torch. I've never been to New York City.
11x17"
I am a cartoonist here in Grand Rapids. I'm also an expert media artist. I like drawing and painting and I'm a creator of Girls vs. Aliens on YouTube so my dream is to work at Warner Bros. Studios and I will move to Canada. My favorite kind of art is technological art.
New York City is a big apple. Broadway! City of lights. And most importantly the New York Yankees. I chose Lady Liberty because she's blue and is a lady holding a torch. I've never been to New York City.
Allison Ching - "Talk to Animals"
Plaster Sculpture,
~12" Tall
Allison loves art. She works at City Mode Cleaning company. She loves her pet Chihuahua, Peace (who is not peaceful.) Allison has 3 brothers and 2 sisters, loves animals and going places. She likes to do crafts and sewing. She is also a big fan of Anime.
Talk to Animals. Find out what's wrong to help them. To stop poaching and prevent them from going extinct.
~12" Tall
Allison loves art. She works at City Mode Cleaning company. She loves her pet Chihuahua, Peace (who is not peaceful.) Allison has 3 brothers and 2 sisters, loves animals and going places. She likes to do crafts and sewing. She is also a big fan of Anime.
Talk to Animals. Find out what's wrong to help them. To stop poaching and prevent them from going extinct.
Alyssa Velting - "Snail Family"
Polymer Clay, Wood, Glass,
5x7"
My name is Alyssa Velting. I am from Grand Rapids. I went to Wyoming Public Schools and now I am a part of the Grandville Transition Program. I started making art in school. Now, I do art all of the time at home. It fills up most of my free time. When I create art, I usually start by finding an inspiring picture. I try to draw it and then I paint it to add color. I search for images of animals, specifically dogs, pigs, and horses. I am a true animal lover. I try to create a realistic image of the animal through my art. I love animals because they seem to understand how I feel inside. I want other people to know they are understood by animals too, so hopefully my art shows that. The materials that I prefer to use are water color paints, markets, and pencils. You will notice that my color palette is bright and usually includes pink, blue, purple, and red. The brighter the better.
5x7"
My name is Alyssa Velting. I am from Grand Rapids. I went to Wyoming Public Schools and now I am a part of the Grandville Transition Program. I started making art in school. Now, I do art all of the time at home. It fills up most of my free time. When I create art, I usually start by finding an inspiring picture. I try to draw it and then I paint it to add color. I search for images of animals, specifically dogs, pigs, and horses. I am a true animal lover. I try to create a realistic image of the animal through my art. I love animals because they seem to understand how I feel inside. I want other people to know they are understood by animals too, so hopefully my art shows that. The materials that I prefer to use are water color paints, markets, and pencils. You will notice that my color palette is bright and usually includes pink, blue, purple, and red. The brighter the better.
Amanda Shustha - "A Lot Going On and I'm Running Out of Paint"
Acrylic,
20x16"
I am a local artist and I have been making art since I was three. Art was my favorite subject in school and one of the classes I did best in. I even attend an art college for a short time. Art is a big part of my life. I paint and draw in my free time. I've been making money off my art since I was in my teens and at some point would like to make it into more of a career. A world without art is not a world I would want to be a part of.
This painting is made during a time I had a lot of stuff going. I was fixing my finances, having a roommate moving out, and the beginning of spring was upon us which is time to start my garden. I had a lot on my mind and had a lot weighting on my heart. It was hard to keep my mind and emotions in check and well I had some gifted acrylic paint that was almost gone and wanted to use it all on one painting so this is the after math of the feelings I was going through at the time and the rest of paint that I had left in a set.
20x16"
I am a local artist and I have been making art since I was three. Art was my favorite subject in school and one of the classes I did best in. I even attend an art college for a short time. Art is a big part of my life. I paint and draw in my free time. I've been making money off my art since I was in my teens and at some point would like to make it into more of a career. A world without art is not a world I would want to be a part of.
This painting is made during a time I had a lot of stuff going. I was fixing my finances, having a roommate moving out, and the beginning of spring was upon us which is time to start my garden. I had a lot on my mind and had a lot weighting on my heart. It was hard to keep my mind and emotions in check and well I had some gifted acrylic paint that was almost gone and wanted to use it all on one painting so this is the after math of the feelings I was going through at the time and the rest of paint that I had left in a set.
Andrew Baker - "Doubleheader"
Mixed Media on Canvas,
16x20"
I enjoy painting my favorite things, which are mostly sports related. This include football, hockey, baseball and especially wrestling. I like to show the movement of these sports activities and also the places, such as stadiums and arenas, where each sport takes place. I also enjoy painting scenes of other places in the community as well.
Welcome to the last baseball game my father and I went to at Tiger's Stadium. This fond memory portrays an exciting doubleheader that day. In fact, it was a "day-night doubleheader." You can see both the sun in the upper right corner and the blue ring that represents the moon. You will also find the many hallmarks of the playing field: bases, bullpen, pitcher's mound, the home team bench to the left and the visitors team bench to the right. These are the things that make up baseball. However, what baseball means to me is going with my family. Before my father passed away, he and my mom, me and my brother, Granny & Gramps, and Aunt Lorrie went to games together. Since then, it is mom and me, and my brother Nick. Fortunately, Granny and Gramps were able to join us too after the COVID-19 vaccine.
16x20"
I enjoy painting my favorite things, which are mostly sports related. This include football, hockey, baseball and especially wrestling. I like to show the movement of these sports activities and also the places, such as stadiums and arenas, where each sport takes place. I also enjoy painting scenes of other places in the community as well.
Welcome to the last baseball game my father and I went to at Tiger's Stadium. This fond memory portrays an exciting doubleheader that day. In fact, it was a "day-night doubleheader." You can see both the sun in the upper right corner and the blue ring that represents the moon. You will also find the many hallmarks of the playing field: bases, bullpen, pitcher's mound, the home team bench to the left and the visitors team bench to the right. These are the things that make up baseball. However, what baseball means to me is going with my family. Before my father passed away, he and my mom, me and my brother, Granny & Gramps, and Aunt Lorrie went to games together. Since then, it is mom and me, and my brother Nick. Fortunately, Granny and Gramps were able to join us too after the COVID-19 vaccine.
Anton Fiscelli - "Line of Scrimmage"
Pastel on Paper,
16x20"
Because of many sensory and developmental issues, I was told I may never learn to write or hold a pencil. So, for a very long time, I never did. I didn't use a pencil or color. However, with many years of therapy and practice, and a soaring creative spirit. I began my artistic journey. Now I am an artist and I explore different mediums and subject matter. I work on my art at home and in a community art studio.
My inspiration was the Detroit Lions football team. I chose fierce and fiery colors to represent the spirit of the team and the lion. This drawing is made using pastel pencils. They are typically used in more painterly ways - blending and brushing. However, I used them in a singular way - to draw lines. Drawing is my passion. I draw every day without fail. As an artist, I have a very strong connection with "Line" and "Line" making. I think you can clearly see this in my piece here. Each line is intentional. Each one stands alone with purpose - no blending or blurring the lines for me. I hope you enjoy my unique approach to this medium.
Go Lions!
16x20"
Because of many sensory and developmental issues, I was told I may never learn to write or hold a pencil. So, for a very long time, I never did. I didn't use a pencil or color. However, with many years of therapy and practice, and a soaring creative spirit. I began my artistic journey. Now I am an artist and I explore different mediums and subject matter. I work on my art at home and in a community art studio.
My inspiration was the Detroit Lions football team. I chose fierce and fiery colors to represent the spirit of the team and the lion. This drawing is made using pastel pencils. They are typically used in more painterly ways - blending and brushing. However, I used them in a singular way - to draw lines. Drawing is my passion. I draw every day without fail. As an artist, I have a very strong connection with "Line" and "Line" making. I think you can clearly see this in my piece here. Each line is intentional. Each one stands alone with purpose - no blending or blurring the lines for me. I hope you enjoy my unique approach to this medium.
Go Lions!
Bella Roque - "Supergirl"
Plaster Sculpture,
~12" Tall
I dance in the powwow. I like to draw flowers.
Supergirl is flying. Her eyes are lightning. She helps people when they get hurt.
~12" Tall
I dance in the powwow. I like to draw flowers.
Supergirl is flying. Her eyes are lightning. She helps people when they get hurt.
Brad Becker - "The Hidden Bear"
Acrylic,
12x16"
I just started at the Vista Center about 4 months. But I was already making art and other things. I enjoy working at the Vista and the art gallery.
The picture is of a bear in the woods almost hidden by the trees and the positive and negative shapes work together, I think :)
12x16"
I just started at the Vista Center about 4 months. But I was already making art and other things. I enjoy working at the Vista and the art gallery.
The picture is of a bear in the woods almost hidden by the trees and the positive and negative shapes work together, I think :)
Brian Reynolds - "Work"
Chalk,
12.5x19"
Brian is a good artist who has been drawing with colored pencils for about a year. He would like to try sculpture.
In this piece, you can see where Brian goes to work at Hope Network! In the middle of the page is the pop machine. Brian helps out around the office however people need support. The people are very nice there.
12.5x19"
Brian is a good artist who has been drawing with colored pencils for about a year. He would like to try sculpture.
In this piece, you can see where Brian goes to work at Hope Network! In the middle of the page is the pop machine. Brian helps out around the office however people need support. The people are very nice there.
Bryant Cox - "The Tiger"
Acrylic marker and restored painting,
26x28"
I work at Vista and found this tiger painting on the way to work. It was badly damaged. Then it sat at Vista and more deteriorating happen . When the Vistas moved to the mall, the art teacher and I worked on restoring the work. It was restoring the art much like Vista helps people with art!
The tiger painting is a restored art work, that someone discarded. Restoring the painting was a challenge.
26x28"
I work at Vista and found this tiger painting on the way to work. It was badly damaged. Then it sat at Vista and more deteriorating happen . When the Vistas moved to the mall, the art teacher and I worked on restoring the work. It was restoring the art much like Vista helps people with art!
The tiger painting is a restored art work, that someone discarded. Restoring the painting was a challenge.
Caitlin Flake - "Caitlin Amazing Art"
Marker and Crayon,
24x20"
Hi my name is Caitlin and I love doing art and drumming through ACT.
I love doing art and making portraits of myself.
24x20"
Hi my name is Caitlin and I love doing art and drumming through ACT.
I love doing art and making portraits of myself.
Candace Yates - "Super Beyonce"
Plaster Sculpture,
~12" Tall
I am a student in the CTC Intensives Class at ACT. I like doing art because it helps me to stay focused, concentrating and thinking of ideas. I am from Grand Rapids and I hope to keep doing class at ACT.
My favorite art to work on in class was the super hero art. Finding a name for this piece was so hard! I decided to pick the name Beyonce because she in another artist who has the super powers of music, performing and dancing for people. Beyonce is a super hero.
~12" Tall
I am a student in the CTC Intensives Class at ACT. I like doing art because it helps me to stay focused, concentrating and thinking of ideas. I am from Grand Rapids and I hope to keep doing class at ACT.
My favorite art to work on in class was the super hero art. Finding a name for this piece was so hard! I decided to pick the name Beyonce because she in another artist who has the super powers of music, performing and dancing for people. Beyonce is a super hero.
Carly Guy - "Delightfully Dotted View of Things"
Hand-painted and printed papers, Multimedia Collage,
12x15"
Carly lives with Coffin-Lowry Syndrome, a very rare condition that causes her to fall without warning. Undaunted by these literal "ups and downs," Carly focuses on the upside of life, and simply put, her images make people happy. Creating art is one of Carly's favorite activities because "You can't fall if you're sitting down...And besides, I can talk to my friends while I'm working!"
I am especially excited about this piece because I was able to approach the circle and dot in a new way. Instead of drawing or painting them, I used paper punches to create them. Each small dot and large circle were carefully punched and placed in this piece. It was a long process. But I loved doing it! The more I punched out the happier I was.
I hope that this piece makes you happy, too!
12x15"
Carly lives with Coffin-Lowry Syndrome, a very rare condition that causes her to fall without warning. Undaunted by these literal "ups and downs," Carly focuses on the upside of life, and simply put, her images make people happy. Creating art is one of Carly's favorite activities because "You can't fall if you're sitting down...And besides, I can talk to my friends while I'm working!"
I am especially excited about this piece because I was able to approach the circle and dot in a new way. Instead of drawing or painting them, I used paper punches to create them. Each small dot and large circle were carefully punched and placed in this piece. It was a long process. But I loved doing it! The more I punched out the happier I was.
I hope that this piece makes you happy, too!
Cathy Parks - Untitled
Collage,
16x20"
16x20"
Cayden Morrison - Untitled
Pastel,
11x17"
11x17"
Cecilia McIntyre - "Confusion"
Paint on Canvas,
8x12"
My name is Cecilia. I am 21 years old. My art helps me to deal with my frustrations caused by my disability which is Apraxia. This makes it very difficult for people to understand me when I talk. I use my art to express myself due to my difficulty talking. I hope my art helps people to understand me more. I hope you enjoy my art.
I call this painting Confusion because everyone sees different things when looking at it.
8x12"
My name is Cecilia. I am 21 years old. My art helps me to deal with my frustrations caused by my disability which is Apraxia. This makes it very difficult for people to understand me when I talk. I use my art to express myself due to my difficulty talking. I hope my art helps people to understand me more. I hope you enjoy my art.
I call this painting Confusion because everyone sees different things when looking at it.
Charles Caldwell - "Rainbow"
Watercolor, Marker, Charcoal,
23.5x29.5"
My name is Charles Caldwell and I live in Michigan. Everything that I do is inspired by great music. My art is and will always be influenced by my musical background. I really enjoy painting the most. My paintings are inspired by jazz. I add red to each creation because it is my favorite. My favorite musicians are Michael Jackson and 2Pac. My favorite marching band is Aggie Pride. Their drum line is called Cold Steele. I enjoy exploring visual and performing arts. I am an actor, a drummer, and a dancer. When you view my art, I want you to feel music and movement.
23.5x29.5"
My name is Charles Caldwell and I live in Michigan. Everything that I do is inspired by great music. My art is and will always be influenced by my musical background. I really enjoy painting the most. My paintings are inspired by jazz. I add red to each creation because it is my favorite. My favorite musicians are Michael Jackson and 2Pac. My favorite marching band is Aggie Pride. Their drum line is called Cold Steele. I enjoy exploring visual and performing arts. I am an actor, a drummer, and a dancer. When you view my art, I want you to feel music and movement.
Charles Hubert - "Pop Art - Hot Dog"
Collage,
11x17"
I am a student at CTC Mayfield. This is my first year at CTC. I love cartoons, especially Thomas the Train. I enjoyed being a part of the ACT collage class and picking out the different colors and textures of paper for my collages.
My favorite food is hot dogs with no bun.
11x17"
I am a student at CTC Mayfield. This is my first year at CTC. I love cartoons, especially Thomas the Train. I enjoyed being a part of the ACT collage class and picking out the different colors and textures of paper for my collages.
My favorite food is hot dogs with no bun.
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2022 Entries
Artists are listed in order alphabetically by first name. The bold header includes the artist name and title of the entry. For the artist bio and statement, click on any image to open full screen mode.
