Check out the latest exhibitions at the Holland Area Arts Council

HOLLAND — Two Michigan artists are bringing distinct perspectives on community and the natural world to the Holland Area Arts Council this August, with exhibitions that range from colorful expressionist paintings to ecological, fiber-based installations.

The Holland Area Arts Council, 150 E. Eighth St., Ste. 200, is a nonprofit organization that hosts rotating exhibitions featuring local, regional and national artisans, in addition to coordinating hands-on programming for the community.

This August, there are two exhibits currently on display in the council’s galleries — “The Practice of Curiosity" by Erin Mullis and “Forest Bathing” by Marti Liddle-Lameti. 

A third exhibit, “30 (Thousand) Years,” created by a West Michigan family, was on display since late June before its closing date earlier this month. 

Mara Tillman, exhibits coordinator for the arts council, said the overarching theme of this season’s exhibitions is “community garden.” 

“I wanted to center themes of family, returning to our roots and supporting one another and our wider community,” said Tillman. “Given the state of the world right now, I wanted the arts council to serve as a reminder that we're all in this together.”

The council looks to develop reliable, strong partnerships with artists who are passionate about their work, respectful within the community and professional in how they present themselves and their work. 

Between research, planning, meeting with artists and coordinating exhibitions, Tillman said it can take a year to organize gallery displays. The organization maintains three galleries, each with its own schedule, in addition to hosting annual juried shows. 

She noted that throughout the year, the council aims to feature exhibitions that challenge one’s views on what constitutes art. One of the creative mediums that the council plans to continue exhibiting is fiber arts.

“I'm excited to keep exploring installations that draw people in, and I've noticed that the use of textiles has seen a huge resurgence over the last couple of years,” Tillman said. “Our fiber arts community is growing, and I'm excited to continue to support their movement.”

Here’s a look at the exhibitions currently on display at the Holland Area Arts Council:

'The Practice of Curiosity'

This colorful expressionist exhibit by Michigan artist Erin Mullis explores the relationship between play, intuition and creative freedom.

Her work aims to reflect the belief that curiosity is not passive, but rather an active practice of remaining open to uncertainty, discovery, learning and transformation. 

Tillman said she first took note of Mullis’ work because of its unique color and process. She further explained that she was drawn to the story behind Mullis’ work and its rejection of perfectionism.

“Her work isn’t just happy scenes and expressive florals — it’s a journey,” Tillman said. “The paintings reflect a deeply personal journey of healing, resilience and self-discovery rooted in her recovery and sobriety.”

By translating memories of nature and lived experiences into colorful, intuitive works of art, Mullis’ paintings are visual landscapes that offer the viewer a deeper look into her mind. They serve as a gentle reminder of the hopefulness within life’s imperfections.

“For Erin, art is what brought her back home to who she was supposed to be,” said Tillman. “Working from memory rather than direct observation allows what is essential to surface.”

“The Practice of Curiosity” remains on display in the Lievense Zobkiw Gallery until Sept. 5. There will be an exhibition reception 5:30-7 p.m. Aug. 27. 

'Forest Bathing'

“Forest Bathing” is an assemblage of two-dimensional fiber paintings, three-dimensional multimedia structures and wearable art by the internationally recognized Michigan artist Marti Liddle-Lameti.

The series is inspired by the Japanese mindfulness process of forest bathing, a nature-based practice that reduces stress and enhances wellbeing through a heightened connection to nature. 

“By channeling the nurturing, protective essence of Mother Earth into her art, Marti aims to bring the restorative, healing powers of the forest directly into our homes, workplaces and healing institutions,” said Tillman. 

Tillman said she’s long been a fan of Liddle-Lameti’s work, having seen her in local shows and the Muskegon Art Museum. Now on display at the Holland Area Arts Council, Tillman is thrilled to share Liddle-Lameti’s art with the community, and wants viewers of the exhibition to be reminded of the beauty in the small, overlooked aspects of the natural world.

“I've never seen unique vessels or felted works quite like her pieces before,” reflected Tillman. “There's something almost magical about the way she captures the quiet life of the forest. Every curve, texture and grain feels intentional and alive.”

Liddle-Lameti’s art will be on display in the Armstrong Gallery until Sept. 12. A reception will be 5:30-7 p.m. Aug. 28.

— Contact ONN reporter Hailey Hentz at hhentz@ottawanewsnetwork.org.