The Makers: The art of Ken Cooper.

The Makers: The art of Ken Cooper.

The Makers Series is a presentation of Preferred Credit Union.

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NORWALK, Manistee County — Today on The Makers, Kate Krieger-Watkins interviews artist Ken Cooper about his upcoming exhibit at Ludington Area Center for the Arts. 

Cooper is a multi-media artist who spent several decades teaching at Manistee Area Public Schools. He currently is an adjunct pottery instructor at West Shore Community College. 

Cooper’s ‘What I Did On My Summer Vacation’ includes over 40 never before seen architectural watercolor paintings created in various locations across the country as well as a selection of pottery pieces created by Cooper.

Cooper has been showing his art throughout his native Michigan and the United States for more than three decades. He spent over a decade working in England with Britain’s National Trust, foundations, museums, and historic sites there where his watercolor paintings were exhibited.

An artist receptions will take place Friday, July 10 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the art center and will have a slightly different feel than past artist receptions at LACA, according to LACA Executive Director Andrew Skinner.

“Due to the limitations on indoor gatherings the center has decided to take reservations for our artist receptions for foreseeable future. The reservation system will allow for LACA staff and volunteers to manage the number of people in our facility, hopefully limiting the number of people we will have to ask to wait to enter the building. Reservation time-slots begin every 15-minutes and are valid for 30 minutes both Ken Cooper’s “What I Did on My Summer Vacation” and the collective “Pandemic Ingenuity” exhibit.” The free reservations can be made by visiting the art center’s online store at https://ludingtonartscenter.square.site/.

LACA is requiring face coverings or masks to enter its facility. Those who do not have a mask with them will have the option to purchase a locally made mask in the LACA gift shop for just $4. “We are asking our guests to please be respectful to others and to socially distance themselves while viewing the exhibit,” Skinner added.

“We are also trying out a color-coded bracelet system that will allow our guests to communicate with others their comfort level with socializing while attending the event,” Skinner said. Upon entering guests will be able to choose either a red (I’m keeping my distance), yellow (I’m okay with talking but not touching) or green (I’m okay with hugs and high-fives). “This is an idea that our office manager, Kali Findley, and I both saw online and though it would be an interesting way to let others know your comfort level.

Skinner also noted that refreshments at the receptions would be limited to bottled water and that it would be available in the art center’s courtyard where a few tables will be set up for socializing.

Artwork in both exhibits will be available to view and purchase in the center’s online store https://ludingtonartscenter.square.site/.

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