This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Arts & Entertainment

Community Celebrates the Two Twelve Arts Center

Five wonderful years of growth, memories and accomplishments brought out many people to this birthday party.

Rain could not stop people coming out Friday to share the memories, dreams and artwork, as Saline's beloved 212 Two Twelve Arts Center held a reception in honor of five magnificent years of existence.

A little over five years ago, Margie Bovee dreamt of having a place in Saline where artists could display their work, share their creativity through teaching others and grow in their own knowledge, creativity and talents. This dream gave birth to the 212 Two Twelve Arts Center, which physically began at a cozy little one-time residence at 212 Michigan Ave. 

The center is directed by Margie Bovee. Cindy Barnett does a magnificent job as program coordinator and Gaines Collins is the very busy special events coordinator. These three women are supported by a board and the center is sponsored also by the Cowan Slavin Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit operating foundation.   

Find out what's happening in Salinewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Two Twelve offers classes for youth and adults, a place for experienced and budding artists to meet and a place for all to display their hard work.

With the help of area artists who were glad to show their work, teach classes and take classes themselves, as well as a community that embraced the center, 212 grew.  Eventually the center outgrew it's cozy home and moved two doors west, to 216 W. Michigan Ave. Although, Bovee has been asked by some if  a name change was considered with the address change, Two Twelve has become such a community in itself that they are not going to change the name.

Find out what's happening in Salinewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Two Twelve's new home offers more space inside for classes, meeting and artist's receptions.  There is room upstairs for classes and displays, on the main floor for gathering and displaying work and downstairs has a pottery studio.  The center's new home also allows for more parking.  Although, indoors even this new home was fairly bursting with well wishers on that evening.

One of those well wishers was Cheryl Hogue. She has taken many classes at the center. Pottery is her favorite. Because Two Twelve classes helped to inspire her love of pottery, she now has a kiln, potters wheel and extruder. One of the early years Cheryl was able to share her artwork in a one-person show.

Typically, Two Twelve hosts solo exhibits. Although for this special occasion, the gallery displayed artwork from many artists who have taught and learned at center over the years.

Some of the teachers in attendence were Gaines Collins, Keith McGuire and Sharon Graf-Horning. McGuire warmly greeted many of his younger students and one can tell that he enjoys teaching even these little budding artists and watching their talent blossom.

Artwork is also available for purchase. Artist and teacher, Sharon Graf-Horning, sold a piece to Cheryl Ann Smith.  She was telling her about a quote that she had once heard and agreed with, that a bowl bought at at a store and a bowl hand made by an artist was like the difference between Paris and Vegas.

"You can put fruit in a bowl from Target, or in a piece of art," she said.

To honor all the center's accomplishments, Saline Mayor Pro-Tem joined Saline Mayor Gretchen Driskell in giving the 212 Two Twelve Arts Center a proclamation and certificate.  Michigan state Representative Mark Ouimet also visited to congratulate the center on it's anniversary and accomplishments.

It was enjoyable evening of laughter, memories and sharing. May this center have many more years of the same.

 

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?