New artist featured at the Inn at Harbor Shores

ST. JOSEPH, Mich. — During their stay, guests at the Inn at Harbor Shores are greeted by a beautiful view of Lake Michigan outside the facility. Beginning next weekend, guests and community members will have the opportunity to see another beautiful view without ever leaving the building.

An artist reception featuring “Watercolors” by Robin Maxon is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sept. 18 at The Inn at Harbor Shores, 800 Whitwam Drive, St. Joseph, Michigan.

Maxon, of St. Joseph, is the second featured artist to be displayed in the area’s newest gallery. Maxon’s watercolor paintings feature various Southwest Michigan scenes and will be on display now through Nov. 3, 2014.

“When I paint I attempt to capture the light and color of something common, natural or unexpected. I appreciate the beauty of a simple moment or expression and the play of light on the subject,” Maxon said.

The Inn has a unique relationship to the arts and in celebration of this relationship is planning this reception to introduce guests of The Inn and the community to the artists that comprise the permanent collection along with the featured gallery artist.

The art program at The Inn has two components: the permanent collection displayed in rooms and public areas and the revolving exhibitions in the Gallery curated by Susan Wilczak.

“We believe the story of a place is told through artists conveying memorable impressions and history. Artists tell complex stories with more subtlety and elegance than traditional media,” Wilczak said. The Inn hopes that guests will come away with lasting impressions and an understanding of the history and fabric of the community.

“Ultimately, I hope the viewer will enjoy my attempt at capturing the emotion and expression of a subject and that it remind them to observe these simple moments in their own lives,” Maxon said.

The signature permanent piece at The Inn is, L’eau d’Vie, a glass installation consisting of over five hundred hand blown pieces, by April Wagner of Pontiac, Michigan. The installation greets guests as they enter the lobby and can be seen from the first and second floors.

Inn guests, community members and art enthusiasts are invited to celebrate the talents of these artists featured throughout the Inn at Harbor Shores from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2014. Several of the artists will be attending.