Andy Thomas, getting back to the past with “Roots” exhibit

By ROB ALWAY

mcp editor

LUDINGTON – Andy Thomas has become one of Ludington’s leading art experts. Over the last few years he, and his wife, Michelle, have evolved and grown their art business from the former Artists Market into A.M. Galleries.

After spending years displaying other artists’ work, Andy will hold his own exhibit beginning Friday when he debuts “Roots” at the gallery located at 115 W. Ludington Ave.

“The exhibit is more of a challenge to myself,” Andy said Wednesday afternoon, taking a break between customers. “It tells a story of things past – the simple life – a time when hard work was a way of life and things were earned and deserved.

“Most of these paintings will portray the time before or at the beginning of the industrial revolution.”

Andy’s style has changed dramatically over the years.

“In college I did a lot of portraits,” he said. “It got me a lot of business and it got me my job at the Artists Market. Then, about eight years ago I decided I was never going to work with photo realism again. It is too tedious and felt too linear. I decided to learn more, to create for the sake of creating. Art became more for me a creative outlet.”

“Roots” will feature a variety of media including watercolors and oils. “It will have anything from what I call representational expressionism to just design.”

The show will feature over 20 pieces of Andy’s work, most created recently.

The opening reception is Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. The exhibit will be open Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. until March 30.

Stay current with A.M. Galleries at https://www.facebook.com/artistsmarket.biz .