The Nature Center’s summer art exhibit celebrates Michigan’s flora and fauna

MIDLAND, MI – Visitors to the Chippewa Nature Center in Midland can see a special art exhibit this summer.

“Forged: Sculpted by Nature,” an exhibition of metal sculptures representing Michigan’s diverse flora and fauna, is a collaboration between the Midland Center for the Arts, CNC, the Max Carey Blacksmith Guild/Steve Anderson School of Blacksmithing (the Guild) and local artists, according to a CNC press release.

Annie Stout, Jordan Walmsley and the Guild designed the sculptures, which were built by the Guild and are now on display at the CNC Visitor Center and Wildflower Walkway, 400 S. Badour Road in Midland, through September 28.

Admission is free.

An opening reception is planned for Sunday, June 30th from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Guests can meet the artists and blacksmiths and there will be two hands-on metalworking/metallography activities and a look-and-see activity for children and families.

Here is a list of the sculptures on display and information about the artists, as described in the CNC press release:

“Frog & Toad Stool”

Artist: Jordan Walmsley

Jordan Walmsley has lived in Midland since birth and cultivates his love of history through his art. From blacksmithing to basket weaving, bowl turning to bird carving, he has always been fascinated by how things were made in the past. He specializes primarily in woodworking and his designs reference nature and history in equal measure. He makes it a point to let the materials speak through his designs and is excited to take this opportunity to get back into metalworking.

“On the run”

Artist: Annie Stout

Annie Stout is a multidisciplinary artist and graphic designer and owns Paper Heart Design Co. in Midland. She is an active committee member of Public Arts Midland and co-chair of the Art Seen Festival. “In the Run” features two of Annie’s favorite things about the outdoors in Michigan: water and fish. Fishing is a tradition passed down through generations that her grandfather passed down to her father, her father taught her mother, her parents passed it down to her, and Annie and her husband Jerod have passed it down to their children where they can enjoy the outdoors and spend quality time together.

“The Swinging Deer”

Artist: Max Carey Blacksmith Guild

The Max Carey Blacksmith Guild is the largest blacksmith guild north of Detroit and is located in Midland, Michigan. Our founder, Steve Anderson, was inspired by one of the last active blacksmith shops in Midland, the Orville Carey Blacksmith Shop. For over 50 years, the anvil has rung its tune in our home, the Bradley Carriage Museum Shop. We are excited to bring the fun of Michigan’s outdoors to children of all ages with our exhibit, “The Rocking Deer.”

More information before departure

The CNC Visitor Center is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The Chippewa Nature Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing nature to all people through educational, recreational and cultural experiences. Visitors can explore 19 miles of trails free of charge from dawn to dusk, 365 days a year.

For more information, visit www.chippewanaturecenter.org.

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