NWMIARTS

DREAM TO REALITY EXHIBIT OPENING AT CHARLEVOIX CIRCLE OF ARTS 

Charlevoix artist and author Kim Richelle will star in Charlevoix Circle of Arts’ upcoming exhibition, Dream to Reality: Exploring What We Believe and Why, from April 23 to May 29, 2021.  The exhibit begins Friday, April 23, 2021, with an opening reception from 5p.m. to 7p.m. featuring an artist discussion and book signing. Capacity is limited and pre-registration is strongly encouraged. 

Dream to Reality explores the fascinating path to why we believe what we believe through the mythological illustrations and writing of Charlevoix artist Kim Richelle. Richelle’s books don’t fit tidily into a category or genre. Yet she has created tomes and tales of faerie and tarot, written and illuminated for adults. Richelle is an elegant illustrator who has embraced mythology and her own gift of clairvoyance since childhood. As a lifelong artist, Richelle struggled with her community’s resistance to creative thought. Her books explore soaring expression of self, from saying “no more” to the status quo to the roots and consequences of bias and control. 

The exhibit is designed with distinct paths reflecting Richelle’s body of work in 2D and 3D, including original illustrations from her books, The Day Rue Flew, 2000, Banshee, Shed the Cloak of Control, 2019. Banshee is being newly re-released in hard cover. Richelle’s next illustrated book Faerie Fobia, focuses on fear and suppression of other beliefs or lifestyles than our own. Hand-painted fairy wings on the East gallery wall offer a unique photo-op for visitors of all ages, and a fairy-themed “Take & Make” children’s art project will be available while supplies last.  

Gallery talks are scheduled each Thursday at noon during the exhibit and include discussions, readings and book signings. Richelle and invited guest speakers will explore variations of reality, dreams and beliefs, from tarot card readings and symbolism, local Indigenous history and teachings, stories and lore of the stars, constellations and planets. More details and registration can be found online at CharlevoixCircle.org.

Invited guest speakers include:

–Noon, Thursday, May 13: Sandy Witherspoon, local resident and member of the Odawa tribe, and Sandy McSauba, direct descendant of Chief Louis McSauba, will discuss the stories of the tribes and families who inhabited and cared for the land north of Charlevoix for thousands of years, including sacred burial grounds of Mt. McSauba 

–Noon, Thursday May 20: Mary Stewart Adams, star lore historian and author of Star Tales of Mother Goose, will lead visitors through the connection between the night sky and the cultural arts such as nursery rhymes, fairy tales and mythologies. Mary will discuss her recently published book, which is designed to awaken the imagination in relationship to the stars as a companion to the science of astronomy. It is illustrated by her sister and collaborator, Patricia DeLisa. Star Tales will be available for purchase and signing.
The public is invited to stop in and see the latest exhibit, made possible by the sponsorship of DCL, Inc. Charlevoix Circle of Arts is open Monday through Saturday and is located at 109 Clinton Street in downtown Charlevoix. For more information about the exhibit or the Charlevoix Circle of Arts please call (231) 547-3554 or visit our website:  www.charlevoixcircle.org.