In business for more than two decades, the WSG gallery is one of Ann Arbor’s well-established galleries. Artist owned and operated, it features a roster of contemporary creatives from our community and holds various exhibits throughout the year.
After operating in various locations in downtown Ann Arbor, ten years of which were spent on bustling Main Street, the gallery moved to its current space at 111 East Ann Street in Kerrytown in September of 2021.
If you were used to stopping by the gallery while shopping downtown, it remains nearby. It is also conveniently close to other businesses in Kerrytown, such as the People’s Food Coop, TeaHaus, Zingerman’s Deli, and the Farmers Market.
The WSG gallery members spent last summer renovating the space and it reflects their work and efforts. The gallery feels bright and airy with white walls and a street facing window contrasting with an exposed brick wall, which retains a bit of the history of this old building.
Artist member Barbara Brown explained that the building used to be the site for Clint’s Club, a bar with pool tables and live music. It was flanked by the Derby Club.
Now the ground level of the building is home to WSG. WSG’s latest exhibit, “14 + 14” which opened on January 5th, is an example of the unique programs the gallery delivers. The title of the exhibit refers to its yearly invitational theme. The gallery has a lovely custom where the 14 gallery members invite 14 guest artists, whose work they admire, to show their work alongside their own.
On view you can see the exquisitely beaded and embroidered soft sculptures of Kirsten Lund, some of Valerie Mann’s striking Gun Show dresses and purses, and Barbara Brown’s lovely works which incorporate her mastery of bookmaking techniques.
One of the newer members of the gallery, Cathryn Amidei, displays some richly woven contemporary wall pieces, and invited artist Russell Bloomfield shares some beautiful yet quirky paintings.
Marcia Polenberg, often known for her delightful animal ceramic sculptures, has three female figures, referencing Roman busts, with some wonderful glazework. These are a few of the artists who are part of the exhibit but there are many more, showing their skills and work, from paintings and drawings to jewelry and ceramic work.
The 14 + 14 exhibit features the work of gallery members: Valerie Mann, Sara Adlerstein – Gonzalez, Cathryn Amidei, Barbara Brown, Elizabeth Schwartz, Francesc Burgos, Lynda Cole, Connie Cronenwett, Karin Wagner Coron, Adrienne Kaplan, Ted Ramsay, Takeshi Takahara, Nora Venturelli, and Michelle A. Hegyi
The invited guest artists this year are: Helen Gotlib, Gary Horton, Janie Paul, Juliet Seignious, Kirsten Lund, Marlee Hoffman, Martha Ceccio, Robert Platt, Sarah Innes, Susanne Stephenson, Marcia Polenberg, Graceann Warn, Russell Bloomfield, and Diana Pancioli.
Exhibit Dates: January 5, 2022 -January 29, 2022
Hours: Wednesday – Thursday 12pm – 6pm Friday 12pm – 8pm
Saturday 10pm – 7pm Sunday 12pm – 6pm
Covid Precautions: Masks are required in the gallery. There is an air filtration system in place.
WSG Gallery, 111 East Ann Street, Ann Arbor 734-929-2621 www.wsg-art.com/wsghome