Northville Art House
Artist Demo Days
Join us at the Northville Art House for Artist Demo Days. Held on Saturdays afternoons, artists participating in the Annual Members’ Exhibition will showcase their unique talents and techniques as visitors gather around. Demos are free to attend.
Book Club | Preschool Playdate | Family Days | Community Art | Art Market | Cemetery Tours | Youth Art Fair | Painting with Paws | Demo Days
2025 SCHEDULE
The following artists have upcoming demonstrations during Annual Members Exhibition with 102 artworks on view.
April 26, 1 pm: Jim Karell, Oil Portraiture
May 3, 2 pm: Jane Ryan, Japanese Art of Sumi-e
May 17, 2 pm Janet Kohler, Pastels
May 17, 2 pm Janet Kohler, Pastels
I’ve been creating art since childhood, I remember watching expansive sunrises and sunsets, fog lifting in the early mornings, and listening to the sounds of nature while immersed in the countryside of southeast Michigan. My paintings are created on location “en plein air”, sights and sounds inspire me to paint scenes that come to life, as if you can walk right into the landscape. Using expressive pastel marks and saturated color, I aim to elicit an emotional response from the viewer and myself. https://www.janetkohlerarts.com/
PAST DEMOS
April 12, 1 pm: Ghada Ayoub – Glass Cutting & Glass Painting Techniques
I am a mixed media artist based in Michigan, but originally from Beirut, Lebanon. I graduated with a degree in architectural drafting and construction management, but I have had a long-lasting relationship with art. For me, creating art pieces is an escape from daily stress and a getaway from reality and routine. My creativity stems from real-life experiences. My central theme is meant to highlight our natural world and unexpected wonders of life. I also gain inspiration from visiting art galleries and looking at other artists’ work. After taking a course in stained glass painting, I fell in love with the texture and patterns of glass. I create artworks which utilize a mixture of glass mosaic and stained-glass paint. The vibrant color of gloss, the reflection of light, and most importantly my unique designs, is what brings my paintings to life.” https://www.instagram.com/ghadaaart/
April 12, 2 pm: Tricia Hampo
I attended the University of Michigan school of Art and Architecture, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design. After working in an Advertising Agency for a few years, I decided to pursue a teaching degree at Eastern Michigan University. I love to share my knowledge with others and watching the excitement and self confidence that comes from creating art. I currently teach private online classes and classes through local art centers [including the Northville Art House]. And as much as I love to teach, I love to learn! I learn so much from teaching and I am constantly seeking out workshops to attend with artists from around the globe. https://www.triciahampoart.com/
April 26, 1 pm: Jim Karell – Oil portrait alla prima “wet-on-wet”
I have always considered myself a creative person with a bold painting style with artistic talent that has been predominantly self-taught. I’m primarily a portrait painter but in recent years I started to include Plein air painting to my skillset. An oil painter at heart I do dabble in acrylics, watercolors and gouache. I’m a member of the National Portrait Society, Oil Painters of America, Pallette & Chisel (Chicago) and of course the Pallette & Brush. I currently work from my home studio in Plymouth Michigan. https://www.jimkarellart.com/
May 3, 2 pm: Jane Ryan – Japanese Art of Sumi-e
Using the traditional materials of ink stick, bamboo brush, and rice paper Jane will demonstrate the basics of sumi-e (“Ink painting”) with a focus on “The Four Gentleman”: Wild Orchid, Bamboo, Plum Blossom, and Chrysanthemum.
This centuries old art form has its origins in Chinese calligraphy and was deeply influenced by the spiritual philosophy of Zen Buddhism when it introduced to Japan in the 6th century. Although the materials are unique in themselves, it is the manner in which they are used that form the characteristic technique of sumi-e. Maintaining a serene state of mind, the sumi-e artist approaches each subject with simplicity and spontaneity, seeking to depict the “spirit” or “soul” of a subject rather a realistic rendering. As such, one branch can express an entire tree as well as a specific season, and a particular aspect of human character such as resilience, purity, strength, etc.
Once the requisite skills have been attained, it is exciting to branch out and experiment with non-traditional materials as I have done with my current exhibit “Japanese Orchid.” In that piece I used powered pigments and acrylic medium on canvas board to depict the traditional Japanese orchid while still adhering to the philosophy and technique of sumi-e painting.
About Jane Ryan: Although I have used several other mediums over the years, the Japanese art of Sumi-e has had a special place in my heart ever since I was introduced to it in a community ed class decades ago. I am forever grateful to my wonderful teachers: Edythe Newbourne, Lillian Seto, and the Rev. Ichiyo Fukuda of the Northern California Koyasan Temple for their invaluable instruction and generous encouragement. https://haiku-dog.com/
