June 26, 2023

Ottawa County Art Trust adds new works to its collection

Ottawa County and the Holland Area Arts Council announced today which works have been purchased to become part of the permanent collection of the Ottawa County Art Trust. Eight pieces were chosen for purchase awards from a field of 53 entries by 29 artists who live or work in Ottawa County. All of the entries are on display in the Ottawa County Administration Building (12220 Fillmore Street, West Olive) on weekdays through August 25 from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. and from 8 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. on June 27, July 25 and August 22. The pieces not chosen for the County's permanent collection remain available to purchase from the exhibit.

Purchase Awards were given to:  (Listed in no particular order)

• Andrea Rich - Soft Summer Sun - Oil
• Diann Lemmen - Michigan Fall Harvest - Pencil on Paper
• Nancy Sackrison - Pier Pressure - Watercolor
• Patricia Dee - Quiet Field - Pastel
• Tom Saltsman - Beach - Acrylic
• Amy Peterson - Lone Tree - Soft Pastel
• Mary Ann Dunn - Green Heron on the Hunt - Watercolor
• Conni Schaftenaar - A Peaceful Lake for Kayaking - Watercolor
• Read the artist's biographies
• Photos

Grand Haven Artist and the Director of Armory 2 Art Studio, Barbara Carlson, served as the juror for the 2023 show, selecting the newest additions to the permanent collection. 

The Art Trust is a tangible way to demonstrate Ottawa County's commitment to culture, creativity and innovation. At the same time, the trust will preserve a legacy of art for generations of residents to come.

The Art Trust was established in 2018. Ottawa County and the Holland Area Arts Council plan to hold the exhibition annually to grow the County’s fine art collection. The Ottawa County Art Trust will build a permanent library of artwork created by resident artists. To date, the Art Trust Collection houses 56 art pieces from 43 unique artists. The works are in halls, waiting areas and conference rooms of Ottawa County offices.

The public can get involved by:

• Viewing and appreciating the art at the exhibition.
• Purchasing art from the show for their homes or offices. Purchases support local artists, the Holland Area Arts Council and the Art Trust. Many beautiful pieces remain for sale.
• Purchasing exhibition pieces to gift to the Art Trust. Sponsoring a piece is a thoughtful way to show dedication to the art community or to honor a loved one, family member or mentor. Sponsored pieces will be marked with a plate, recognizing the gift. 
• Donating a monetary gift to the Art Trust which will enable it to purchase more works for the collection.
• Those wishing to make a purchase or gift may contact Shannon Felgner with Ottawa County or Mary Sundstrom of the Holland Area Arts Council.