.JPG)
The Traverse Area District Library is pleased to welcome for the first time, local artist Michelle Hart Jahraus to the Main (Woodmere) Branch to exhibit her scenic artwork during the month of January. An opening artist reception will be held Sunday, January 6 from 1 -3 p.m. Members of the community are invited and encouraged to attend to meet Michelle, view her artwork, and enjoy refreshments.
Jahraus was recently honored as a selected artist for her "Sleeping Bear Wave Tag", which will be on display at the library, to be included in the 2013 AMERICA'S PARKS Through the Beauty of Art, an international art competition and exhibition intended to recognize and promote excellence in original works of art depicting any park in North America.
Jahraus was recently honored as a selected artist for her "Sleeping Bear Wave Tag", which will be on display at the library, to be included in the 2013 AMERICA'S PARKS Through the Beauty of Art, an international art competition and exhibition intended to recognize and promote excellence in original works of art depicting any park in North America.
With roots dating back to the original settlers of the scenic Leelanau and Grand Traverse counties, Jahraus feels privileged to live in such a beautiful area. "I love to be a part of its preservation," she said. "Not only do I support efforts to safeguard our natural environment, I also portray and document our local beauty on canvas and watercolor paper."
Owner of the Duck to Swan art gallery in Cedar, chances are you will find Michelle painting in her studio in the gallery. Her acrylic paintings on canvas are colorful reflections of the spectacular Leelanau peninsula and surroudning area, which she calls "the land of delight."
When viewing her paintings of lakes, beaches, stones, sand and shorelines, it's easy to find yourself transported to that warm yellow red sunset over the Manitou Islands or feeling the waves of Lake Michigan rolling in and splashing against your bare feet.
Jahraus works to capture the essence of the undisturbed area in her landscapes for all to enjoy forever.
Always passionate about color, Jahraus initially favored her box of 96 crayons. She went on to earn a degree from Wheaton College, double majoring in geology and art, which she says prepared her to investigate all types of natural beauty and to illustrate it. "I have spent many years being a decorative artist, faux finisher, and muralist," she said. "But my passion is to portray the shores, sands and scenes that God has created and make them available for others to enjoy and remember year round."
Always passionate about color, Jahraus initially favored her box of 96 crayons. She went on to earn a degree from Wheaton College, double majoring in geology and art, which she says prepared her to investigate all types of natural beauty and to illustrate it. "I have spent many years being a decorative artist, faux finisher, and muralist," she said. "But my passion is to portray the shores, sands and scenes that God has created and make them available for others to enjoy and remember year round."
You can visit Michelle at her Gallery in Cedar or check out her online Etsy shop where you can view her paintings and easily select and purchase them from your own home. Either way, Jahraus said she hopes everyone has fun experiencing the beautiful area called Leelanau. Pure Michigan at its best!