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June 25, 2024
 
Venture out to Chippewa Nature Center (CNC) to discover Forged: Sculpted by Nature, an exhibition of metal sculptures representing Michigan’s diverse array of flora and fauna. This unique art exhibit is a collaboration between Midland Center for the Arts, CNC, the Max Carey Blacksmith Guild/Steve Anderson School of Blacksmithing (the Guild) and local artists. The sculptures were designed by Annie Stout, Jordan Walmsley and the Guild, and expertly constructed by the Guild. The sculptures are on display in the CNC Visitor Center and in the Wildflower Walkway, located at 400 S Badour Rd in Midland. Sculptures will remain on exhibit through September 28, and admission is free.

Frog & Toad Stool
Artist: Jordan Walmsley
Jordan Walmsley is a lifelong local to Midland fostering a love of history through his art. From blacksmithing to basket weaving, bowl turning to bird carving he has always been fascinated by how things were made in the past. Primarily specializing in woodworking, his designs draw on nature and history in equal measure. With an emphasis on letting the materials speak through his designs he is excited to take this opportunity to step back into metal working.

In the Run
Artist: Annie Stout
Annie Stout is a multi-disciplinary artist and graphic designer who owns Paper Heart Design Co. in Midland. She is an active committee member for Public Arts Midland, and is co-chair of the Art Seen Festival. “In the Run” depicts two of Annie’s favorite things in nature in Michigan: water and fish. Fishing is a multi-generational tradition that her grandpa passed on to her dad, her dad taught her mom, her parents passed on to her, and Annie and her husband, Jerod, have passed on to their children, where they can enjoy nature and spend quality time together.

The Rocking Deer
Artist: Max Carey Blacksmith Guild
The Max Carey Blacksmith Guild is the largest Blacksmith Guild north of Detroit and resides in Midland, Michigan. Our founder, Steve Anderson, was inspired by one of the last active Blacksmith Shops in Midland, The Orville Carey Blacksmith Shop. For well over 50 years, the anvil has rung true in our home at the Bradley Carriage Museum Shop. We are pleased to create our exhibit “The Rocking Deer” to help children of all ages experience the fun of Michigan’s out-of-doors.

Join us on Sunday, June 30 any time from 1-3 pm (remarks at 1:30 pm) for an Opening Reception to celebrate the opening of this unique art exhibit. Attendees can meet the artists and blacksmiths, and there will be two hands-on metal-working/metal science activities and a “Look and See” activity for kids and families.

The CNC Visitor Center is open Monday-Saturday 8 am-5 pm, and Sunday and select holidays 12-5 pm. Sculptures will remain on exhibit through September 28.
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Chippewa Nature Center is a non-profit organization whose mission is to connect all people to nature through educational, recreational and cultural experiences. Enjoy free admission to 19 miles of trails from dawn-to-dark, 365 days a year. The Visitor Center, located at 400 S Badour Rd, is open 8 am-5 pm Monday-Saturday and 12-5 pm Sunday and select holidays. Learn more at www.chippewanaturecenter.org.
Contact:
Jamie Hockstra, Director of Marketing & Communications
jhockstra@chippewanaturecenter.org, (989) 631-0830