The 95th Michigan Contemporary Art Exhibition continues a rich legacy of showcasing the work of Michigan artists, from talented beginners to accomplished professionals, at the Muskegon Museum of Art (MMA) from September 26 – November 13. A public reception and awards ceremony will be held on Thursday, September 26 at 5 PM.
The Michigan Contemporary Art Exhibition began in 1929 and is the longest-running juried show of its kind in Michigan. The exhibition presents a look at the issues, themes, and materials inspiring today’s Michigan artists. A visitor favorite, the exhibition engages, challenges, and inspires conversation and allows the public the opportunity to purchase artwork featured in the show.
In its 95th year, the Michigan Contemporary Art Exhibition features 150 Michigan artists from across the state with artwork ranging in media from painting, printmaking, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, jewelry, photography, installation, and more. Fifteen prizes are awarded to artists with the largest prize being $1,500 for Best of Show. Prizewinners will be announced on Thursday, September 26 during the opening reception and awards ceremony. Most works of art in the exhibition are available for the public to purchase.
Jonathan Thunder, a painter, animator, and contemporary artist of the MMA permanent collection, selected the works in the exhibition this year. Thunder creates paintings and animated films that speak to popular culture, modern society, and his Ojibwe heritage. His work has appeared in local, regional, and national exhibitions and his short films have earned several awards. His paintings and films were included in the 2022-23 MMA curated exhibition Jonathan Thunder: Maamawi and the 2020-2021 exhibition The Art of People: Contemporary Anishinaabe Artists organized by the Muskegon Museum of Art and Grand Valley State University Art Gallery (with guest curator Jason Quigno).
A public opening reception and artist award ceremony will be held at the Muskegon Museum of Art on Thursday, September 26 at 5 PM.
The 95th Michigan Contemporary Art Exhibition is sponsored by Warner Norcross & Judd.
For more information or questions, contact Kristina Broughton at kbrought@muskegonartmuseum.org or call at (231) 720-2574.
