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Spring 2014, the Creative Arts Guild of Mid-Michigan will celebrate their 56th Annual Spring Show. This art guild was formed 59 years ago by current member, Dottie Wassenaar, and persons in and around Alma and St. Louis who shared an interest in the visual arts. They banded together primarily to promote their own interest in the visual arts. It is a working group designed to stimulate productivity and to improve the quality of their work. Though the members and membership numbers have greatly changed through the years, the purpose and goals of the guild have remained the same.
The Creative Arts Guild of Mid-Michigan is believed to be the oldest art guild in Michigan. Currently there are 26 guild members representing many different mediums and art forms: pottery, woodwork, jewelry, sculpture, photography, watercolor, oils, pastel, acrylics and sketches. The guild includes members from Gratiot, Isabella and Montcalm counties.
For over 55 years the Creative Arts Guild has benefited the community by offering works of art for investment and viewing pleasure. The Guild is active in Art Reach of Mid-Michigan, Pine River Arts Council, Gratiot County Fair for Youth, participates in the Day With the Artist program in local schools, donates art-related books to local libraries, and has community displays and exhibits at Alma College, Clare County Welcome Center, and the Sumner Community Center. The Guild works in conjunction with the Alma Community Art Center and continues an old tradition of teaching Community Education art classes to both adults and school children.
In 2000, the Creative Arts Guild created a mentoring program, for both adults and school children, that continues to be successful and productive. It’s Mission Statement is: To bring out the inner creativeness and individualism within each student and thus assure the future of the Creative Arts Guild.
In 1970, former Governor Milliken, who strongly supported the arts, stated “…that art enriches the soul.” Creative Arts Guild members believe this is true, not only for the artists themselves, but also for those who view works of art.