Full disclosure: Drew Saunders and Jordan Sheppard were classmates in grade school.
The story of modern America today is increasingly of a society where so many people are trying to break out in life and get established, if only they could get that increasingly elusive chance to break out and emerge into their careers. Many artists are familiar with that kind of predicament and are the subject of the newest Emerge “all media showcase” at The Gutman.
“The announcement email in my inbox was delightful midday surprise. I whooped with joy and startled my puppy, Chikoo, who chose to join in and we made quite a racket. I still find myself looking through my inbox to find the email and ensure it’s real. The easiest way to answer this is that I am still coming to terms with being one of the artists in the Gutman Gallery,” recalls Shashank Kaushal, one of the artists. “I love stories; reading them. telling them but Photography, for me, is about capturing the stories that words can’t quite contain. Whether I’m documenting the dignity of a Michigan landscape, the unpredictable joy of an animal in their element, I’m always searching for the beauty in imperfection and the truth between the lines. My images are shaped by a journalist’s curiosity and a storyteller’s heart, each frame is an invitation to see the world as unruly, dynamic, and alive with possibility. Night Lights, the work which will be exhibited at the Gutman Gallery is my attempt at exploring and capturing our night skies unmarred by artificial light. Light and dark paint the most mesmerizing scene, leaving you on the sidelines to observe the world’s glorious beauty.”
Creating opportunities for emerging artists
Emerge begins with an opening reception at 5 p.m. on August 7. They are working on finding a musician to play ambient music during the event. A small assortment of light refreshments will be available.
“Shows like Emerge and the many exhibitions hosted by Gutman Gallery and The Guild of Artists & Artisans are invaluable for emerging artists. They create meaningful opportunities to share our work, connect with collectors, build momentum, and build lasting relationships within the artistic community. While making a living as an artist depends on many factors, opportunities like this have introduced my work to new audiences and helped me expand my collector base. Beyond that, they remind the broader community of art’s value and power while fostering genuine friendships and a spirit of mutual support among artists,” Jordan Sheppard, one of the featured artists said. “When I found out I had been selected for the Emerge Exhibition, I felt a deep sense of gratitude paired with quiet relief. The artists in the Emerging Artist Program represent an incredible range of disciplines, from sculpture and jewelry to carving and painting, and each brings a powerfully individual voice to their work. As someone still relatively new to exhibiting professionally, being included among them feels like a tremendous honor and an encouraging affirmation of the path I’m pursuing.”
The Guild of Artists and Artisans (which owns and operates The Gutman) specializes in high quality and inclusive multimedia art shows. This Augusts’ show will have work form a dozen artists.
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“Every year we have the privilege to showcase the new work of the emerging artists in our program. Many of our artists have never exhibited before, so this is the first time the public will get to see their work. This annual exhibition accepts work across all mediums, So there is something for everyone,” Meredith Long, Gallery Director at The Guild, said. “As part of our nonprofit mission to support our Guild artists and the art community at large, opportunities to publicly exhibit work is crucial to the development of emerging artists. We’re proud to be able to offer that opportunity.”
“You cannot overstate the critical importance that Artists, Guild and the Gutman Gallery mean for artists making a name and getting your art available to the public,” adds Kaushal. “In a time of mass production and hyperscaling spaces like the Gutman Gallery are vital for artists in all phases of their creative evolution and expression. More importantly, for artists looking for a space to present their work for the first time, the Guild thoughtfully engages, educates and empowers them. For me they offered kind guidance, a space to belong and peers with whom I can find the courage to accept being an artist.”
Everything in the show is on sale. You can also view everything the show has to offer at their 118 North 4th Avenue venue for free.
Long said, “Often at the beginning of artists careers, there is a lot of uncertainty about the business aspect of being a fine artist. The opportunity publicly exhibit their work teaches artist how to display and talk about their work, helps build the confidence needed to publicly display, better understand the art industry, and connect the community to their work.”
Drew Saunders is a freelance business and environmental journalist who grew up just outside of Ann Arbor. He covers local business developments, embraces his foodie side with reviews restaurants, obsesses over Michigan's environmental state, loves movies, and feels spoiled by the music he gets to review for Ann Arbor!
