ARTS ALIVE & THE TIBBITS ART GALLERY

Arts Alive is the Branch County area arts group. It celebrates artists and those who appreciate art and makes every effort to create and promote opportunites for artists. The group is responsible for the exibits in the Tibbits Art Gallery which give local and regional artists of all mediums a place to display their works. From aspiring to established artists, the Art Gallery has works on display during most performances year round. We invite you to enjoy.

The newly remodeled Art Gallery is located in the lower level of Tibbits Opera House.  There is also a permanent collection throughout the theatre. Through the winter months the art gallery is open one hour prior to shows.  Additional hours are scheduled by appointment.

Current Exhibits

Life’s Journey Art Exhibit

COLDWATER – Art’s Alive is accepting entries for its next themed art exhibit “Life’s Journey” which will be displayed in the gallery of the Tibbits Opera House from November 12 through January 8. Featured with the exhibit will be a special display of artwork created through the Pines Senior Respite program.

Arts Alive schedules the exhibits to give the community an opportunity to see the talent of artists throughout the region. The themes often tie in with performances at the opera house or events in the community. Any artist may enter their work. Like the prior exhibits, the “Life’s Journey” theme is open to each artist's interpretation.

“Life’s Journey” ties in with the special exhibit from Pines Senior Respite which has become an annual show in the Tibbits gallery. According to Julie Hurley, Program Director of Pines Senior Respite Services, the theme parallels the journey of their clients. “We start out traveling through life as a baby, a child, and forever as an adult.  Some roads can become a cross road.  Which way do I turn?  Which path should I take?  Each decision will lead to a journey; life’s journey.  The road may be rough or smooth sailing.  Your health can determine how long your journey will be.  The emotional strength can build or tear down your travels.  How do we explore what is ahead of us?  Follow the road.”

In following the road of life, Pines Senior Respite Services gives caregivers a respite or break from their daily schedule of caring for someone with memory loss.  Days at the respite program are filled with activities; laughter, music, exercise and art.  The Pines exhibit includes some of that art created on a daily basis.  The artwork includes biographies of each artist and displays different levels of artistic ability. 

To be included in the Arts Alive portion of the exhibit, artists can dropped off their work at the Tibbits Offices at 93 West Chicago Street, from 10-5, Monday through Friday until November 9, or to Tibbits gallery at 3:30 pm on November 10.  Artists of all ages may enter up to three pieces of art work with the cost of $5 per entry. Two-dimensional work must be appropriately framed and ready to hang with a wire hanger.  A photograph of each piece should be included with entry information or e-mailed in .jpg format to artsaliveemail@yahoo.com.