Six West Michigan Artists part 1

Discover six local artists in the West Michigan community

By Steph Lulofs

Carrie Rodgers-O’Neal
Owner and artist at Lake Effect Gallery
16 W. 8th St., Holland
616-395-3025
lakeeffectgallery.com

Born with a creative soul, Rodgers-O’Neal’s passion is painting, including watercolors. She wants the media to have a life of its own.

“I want to capture a viewer by striking an emotional chord that takes them back or forward to a timeless memory of scent, color, warmth and relationships.”

Carolyn Stich
Owner and artist at Carolyn Stich Studio
208 College Ave., Holland
616-298-2687
carolynstich.com 

Art has been a part of Stich’s life from a young age. Her craft includes illustrations using gouache paint, with her inspiration coming from the natural beauty of the area, the community and people’s stories.

“The wonderful thing about art is that everyone reads art differently, there is no right or wrong, no concrete reasoning.”

Jessica Bohus
Artist at Blue Roan Studio
6301 122nd Ave., Fennville
616-283-3397
blueroanstudio.com

Colors, patterns and textures in the world are Bohus’ inspiration. Creativity as a child led her to make sculptures from 19-gauge steel wire and jewelry today.

“There are opportunities everywhere — paint a mural, go to a museum, collect garbage and junk and make a sculpture, cut up magazines, and make a collage.”

Part two of this article can be read here on June 26.