River Raisin National Battlefield Park has selected three local artists for the park’s first artists-in-residence program. The artists are Darlene Belair, Brant Georgia and Brandy Gerber.
The Artists-in-Residence program is offered in more than 50 national parks.
“Artists have been creating art in national parks since the late 19th century, when celebrated painters from the Hudson River School captured the majestic views of our nation’s western parks,” said the battlefield. “Today, the sights and sounds of national parks inspire artists in more than 50 residency programs across the country, offering artists unique opportunities to create works of art in diverse natural and cultural settings.”
Programs are available for visual artists, writers, musicians and other creative media. Programs vary by park and are extremely competitive.
“During their time as artists in residence, artists are often invited to participate in park programs by sharing their art with the public,” said the battlefield. “Here on the River Raisin, artists Darlene Belair and Brandy Gerber have spent countless hours creating beautiful murals at the Education Center that showcase the early natural beauty and abundant wildlife of Southeast Michigan. Artist Brant Georgia painted numerous paintings inspired by flora, fauna and traditional canoes for the park’s exhibits. Darlene and Brandy often work on their artist-in-residence artworks on weekdays and Brant paints at the battlefield visitor center on weekends.”
“We are grateful for the hundreds of hours of work and contribution each artist’s talents make to educate the public about the importance of River Raisin National Battlefield Park. Congratulations to Darlene, Brant and Brandy on becoming the park’s first-ever Artists in Residence,” said Superintendent Scott Bentley.
Belair has been an artist and craftsman for over 50 years. She is mostly self-taught. After graduating from Summerfield School, she married Bob, they have been married 52 years and have two children and three grandchildren. While raising her children, she took adult education courses in art, pottery, basket weaving, beadwork, lost wax, silver and stained glass. Belair taught craft classes through the Petersburg branch of the Monroe County Library System and Summerfield Adult Education. She joined the Monroe Art League, where she was a past vice president and past president of the Monroe City County Arts Council. She is a member of the Bedford Art Club and serves on the board of directors of the Monroe County Historical Society. Belair designed the “War Peace Memorial of 1812,” the Sponsors Memorial, and the Peace Garden for the Monroe County Historical Society. Her latest achievements are the US Postal Service’s “War of 1812 Cancellation Stamp” for the battlefield and the paintings of Ribbon Farms used as signposts along Elm Street. Since 2019, she has curated Battlefield Park’s Beautiful Bountiful Michigan Art Exhibition and the 2021 Fran Maedel Tribute Art Exhibition at the Battlefield. She is currently painting murals at the RRNBP Educational Center with artist Gerber.
Georgia was born in Monroe and is currently studying at Monroe County Community College as a sophomore at Monroe County Middle College, expected to graduate in May. He aspires to a career in the natural sciences. Its goal is to help others find an appreciation for the biodiversity and natural majesty of their local environment. He enjoys bird watching and has directed nature education programs at River Raisin National Battlefield Park, the Michigan Audubon Society, and the Detroit Audubon Society. His artwork has been exhibited throughout Monroe County and his pieces often depict local flora and fauna. His work sheds light on the habitat, geographic range, appearance, and survival strategies of native fauna. As an intern at the park, Georgia began painting various flora and fauna for use in interpretive museum displays.
Gerber lives in Ida with her husband Craig and their dog Porter. She has music degrees from Northern Michigan University and Eastern Michigan University and is largely a self-taught artist. Her art has been sold worldwide and has been featured in numerous solo exhibitions in galleries throughout southeast Michigan. She has participated in the ArtPrize Grand Rapids several times and has been awarded cash prizes for her exhibitions. She has taught at both the Clinton Art Center and the Adrian Center for the Arts. She currently teaches painting courses on site. She has given public presentations of her art and enjoys discussing her artistic process with others. She is also a writer and illustrator. Her first children’s book, A to Z, An Animal Alphabet of Art, is currently available at major booksellers. She is a member of the Huron River Art Collective. She has been an active volunteer at the park since June 2020. She is currently painting murals in the park with Belair.
The park plans to give others the opportunity to become Artists in Residence in the future.