Grayling Visitors Bureau

The AuSable Artisan Village Gallery is proud to host a show and series of workshops with Djam Vivie, master wood carver. The opening reception will be held on Friday, August 13 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. The gallery will be open on Sat., August 14, 10am-5pm and Thursday, August 19, 10am-5pm. There is no fee to view the gallery.

A Drum Making workshop is scheduled for 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. on Sat., Aug.14. Class fee is $350. From 5:00-6:00 p.m. also on the 14 is a Wood Gouging demonstration. Sunday, August 15 he will hold a Chainsaw carving demonstration from 1:00-2:00 p.m. All events will be hosted at the Gallery at 108 Michigan Avenue in Grayling Mi. All workshops are for adults only. For more information, call the Chamber of Commerce at 989-348-2921.

Djam Vivie is a master wood carver from the Volta region of Ghana, West Africa. Both his grandfathers were wood carvers, and as a child he picked up the craft. He made his first sale at the age of fourteen by selling a ceremonial stool for $10. After spending years as a wood carver in Ghana and the Ivory Coast, Djam arrived in the U.S. in 1995. His first winter was experienced in New York City, and he has since made his home in Madison, Wisconsin. Djam’s work includes hand crafted drums, beds, masks, furniture and sculptures. His work has been displayed in various exhibits, including the Art of the Lega at Nelson Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, Missouri; Wisconsin Arts Board’s Lobby Exhibit in Madison, Wisconsin; and at the American Embassy in Ivory Coast, West Africa. Currently Djam is working on carving a mural for the Madison Public Library, South Madison Branch in Madison, Wisconsin.

Djam is a natural teacher and has extensive experience in workshops on wood carving, drum-building, and drum-playing. He was recently chosen to take part in apprentice program with Wisconsin Art Board, where he will be taking on two apprentices to teach them the art of wood sculpture. Previous projects include teaching elementary school students West African drum-building and drum-playing techniques. He has also taught African Mask Carving and Wood Sculpture classes for groups of all ages. Djam conducted his first drum-building workshop in Grayling, Michigan back in April, which was a big success. Besides carving wooden masterpieces and teaching classes and workshops, Djam plays drums for two African music bands in Madison, the Ghanaian folk band Atimevu Drum and Dance Ensemble and Malian music group Tani Diakite and the Malian Blues.

The AuSable Artisan Village Gallery is proud to present a showing of Barbara Weinsenburg’s watercolor paintings. An opening reception will be held at the Gallery at 108 Michigan Ave., Grayling MI on Friday, July 2, 5:00-7:00 p.m. There is no fee to enter the Gallery which will be open from July 2-15 on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 10:00a.m.-5:00p.m.

On Wednesday, July 7, she will be teaching a “En Plein Air Painting” workshop from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. for adults, $20 per person.

To register, or for more information, please contact the Chamber of Commerce at (989)348-2921.

And a bit more information about Barbara…

Biography as posted at www.blackberrymountainstudio.com

From a love of painting at an early age came a passion for art that transformed into a fulfilling career. Located in Milford, Michigan, Blackberry Mountain Studios and Barbara Weisenburg have been a part of the local art scene for many years. As a talented artist whose patience and skill make her a natural teacher, Ms. Weisenburg’s presence in Milford has made an impact both on students and those who appreciate fine art.
A Bachelor’s from Michigan State University, a Master’s from Oakland University, studying at universities in Santa Fe and Cranbrook and an interest in lifelong learning helped develop Ms. Weisenburg’s natural ability, and her desire to show others ways to express themselves through art, helps her enjoy new students of all ages.
A fine arts teacher in the Waterford School District for many years, Ms. Weisenburg has much experience working with children and bringing out the natural ability of any artist. Apart from being an instructor, she has also owned her own studio for 20 years, and is a musician who plays guitar and clarinet.

There will be an ATV get-together  July 9-11 at Happi Days Campground in Frederic, Mi. Sponsored by “Group Deaf”, but Hearing Welcome! Friday evening Euchre Tournament $5. Bonfire Friday and Saturday. ATV Trail Tour begins at noon on Sat., July 10 to be followed by kids games and activities at the campground. Dingo 13 on Saturday 7pm. For the ATV tour, you must have your own ATV, ORV sticker, and youth must bring certification and a parent. For more information, contact Robert Cox at 989-448-4647. Admission Adult $2, Teenage $1, Kids 0-11, Free

For camping site rates and information, call 989-390-2155

ATV tour will be held in cooperation with the Happi-Trails ATV Club.

Michael Deren’s Past in Person program, “Daylight in the Swamp: The Michigan Shantyboy”, Hartwick Pines State Park