DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
PRESS RELEASE
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To cap off the 75th anniversary of Michigan’s waterways program, the Great Lakes Plein Air Painters Association put an artistic flourish on boating.
"Paint the Waterways" is an artistic interpretation of today’s boating system showcased through the group's original artwork.
The virtual art exhibit features a year's worth of paintings and a new way to experience boating: through a paintbrush and canvas.
Plein air painting embraces the "open air" practice of creating landscapes outside the four walls of an art studio. The practice goes back centuries but became well known through the work of French Impressionists.
Over the last year, painters set up easels in harbors and along lakes and rivers across the state to create nearly 50 paintings in honor of Michigan’s waterways.
People can experience the exhibit two ways:
- In an online gallery
- Up close and in person at the Michigan History Center, 702 W. Kalamazoo St. in downtown Lansing, now through Dec. 9.
All original artwork is for sale through the online gallery, with 25 per cent of proceeds going to support historic interpretation at Michigan waterways facilities.
The Michigan State Waterways Commission, a seven-member advisory commission appointed by the governor, was created in 1947 to advise how Michigan would place, fund and manage harbors to provide safe, navigable boating on Michigan’s Great Lakes.
Years later, the commission took on acquisition and development of public boating access sites.
The establishment of the commission is also considered the official establishment of Michigan’s waterways program 75 years ago.
“As this boating milestone comes to a close, it’s fascinating to see the different perspective each artist shares through their paintings,” said Maia Turek, engagement and innovations specialist for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division. “It’s a good reminder how differently we all see and experience the world."
Learn more about "Paint the Waterways" and the 75th anniversary of the Michigan waterways program by clicking here.
