Jim Permesang elected to MB&WWA Board

Jim Permesang, general manager of Mervenne Beverage in Holland, has been elected as an at-large director for the Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association. Permesang said he’s eager to help shape the future of Michigan’s beer and wine industry, noting, “By working together, we can support our partners and ensure consumers have access to the best products available.”

He joins other newly elected leaders who will guide the MB&WWA over the next two years, representing distributors across the state and strengthening Michigan’s independent beverage network.

Saugatuck Twp dedicates public art piece

Saugatuck Township held a dedication ceremony Aug. 20 for its first public art installation, “Canary in a Coal Mine,” an 11-foot welded steel sculpture by Bowling Green, Ohio, artist Shawn Morin. The bright yellow piece, installed at the Blue Star Highway/Old Allegan Road roundabout, symbolizes awareness and transformation, inspired by the historic “canary in a coal mine” phrase.

“This marks both an infrastructure improvement and a beautification of the Blue Star corridor,” said Township Manager Daniel DeFranco. Funded by the Saugatuck Douglas Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and Capizzo Studio, the project reflects the region’s growing public art movement.

Dr. Bryan Huffman sets Lake Superior swim record

Holland endurance athlete Dr. Bryan Huffman became the first man to complete a Lake Superior Crossing under Marathon Swimmers Federation rules, covering 20 miles from Two Harbors, Minnesota, to Port Wing, Wisconsin, in 11 hours, 16 minutes, 34 seconds—beating the previous fastest western crossing by two hours.

Huffman overcame multiple setbacks, including equipment issues and a last-minute crew change, before entering the 58–62°F water. Averaging 2 mph, he called it “the best overall performance of any of my swims.”

His Big Swim also raised nearly $10,000 to fund swimming lessons for children at the Holland Aquatic Center, which will hosted an event in September to celebrate his achievement.

Dr. Bryan Huffman sets Lake Superior swim record

The 96th Michigan Contemporary Art Exhibition is now on view at the Muskegon Museum of Art through Nov. 19, featuring outstanding new work by artists from across the state. The annual juried exhibition showcases painting, sculpture, photography, fiber, and mixed media pieces that reflect the breadth and vitality of Michigan’s creative community.

Selected from submissions statewide, the artists represent a wide spectrum of perspectives and styles, offering visitors a vibrant snapshot of contemporary art in Michigan today. Continuing a tradition that began nearly a century ago, the exhibition affirms the museum’s longstanding commitment to supporting and celebrating the state’s artists.

The show is open during regular Muskegon Museum of Art hours.