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Arts & Entertainment

HVCA GALLERY FEATURES HIGHLAND ARTIST

Artist, teacher and volunteer extraordinaire.

These are only some of the roles that Wendy Willihnganz, whose art will be featuring in Huron Valley Council for the Arts’ February exhibit, Art and Soul, has played in that organization.

An opening gallery reception, which includes light refreshments, is scheduled to welcome the Highland Township artist’s pen and ink as well as colorful watercolor works to HVCA’s gallery from 7-9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3.  

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Willihnganz started early as an artist; her mother gave her a pencil and drawing lessons at age eight.  “…From then on, I tried most mediums from oil, acrylics, pottery etc until I found my love for watercolors and pen and ink.

“I am inspired by color and design (I love bright colors),” she added. “Most of my artwork in this show is somewhat conventional, although I love the happy surprises that come when I am painting. It has been said that my artwork is whimsical. Hopefully, the viewer will see in these pictures something happy and inspiring.”

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Willihnganz applies an artist’s eye to her work at all times, even when it’s supposedly completed. “I don't believe that a picture is ever finished,” she explained. “Most of my artwork has been taken down from the wall and been changed or added too at one time or another.”

Her studio was one of those featured in the Finding Mona: An Artist Studio and Gallery Tour in October 2011.

Always striving to make her artwork better has reaped rewards for Willihnganz. “I have won several ribbons over the last few years from third place to my honored blues,” she said.

Not only does she constantly try to improve her own work, she teaches others how to express themselves artistically, teaching both of her preferred mediums — watercolors and pen and ink.

“I love teaching and seeing my students grow with each brushstroke,” Willihnganz  added. “I have taught in the Hartland and Huron Valley educational programs, for Huron Valley Council for the Arts, Main Street Art, Acorn Farms, Highland-White Lake Business Association Women's Enrichment Day and many workshops at different conventions. I also teach at my studio in my home during the week.

In addition to her art-related work and schooling, she earned a business degree and previously served as a secretary for General Motors. She has put that business acumen to work in the art world. 

“I was the executive director of the Huron Valley Council for the Arts for three years (2005-2008) and I am a member of the Village Fine Arts Association and several other art groups,” she explained. “My husband Mike (author of The China Sand Wedge) and I ran the Van Go Tours for the HVCA for at least four years. Mike and I share six children and seven grandchildren. We are blessed!”

Willihnganz also is active in the community as a member of the Huron Valley Optimists Club.

Her show runs from Friday, Feb. 3 through Monday, Feb. 27. Gallery hours are from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays and from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays.  

The gallery is located at 205 W. Livingston Road in Highland.

 

 

 

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