Grayling Visitors Bureau

Fawn meets Frog by Roger Smith

Between the Falls, by Kim Diment

It has been said that Grayling is “a sanctuary for those who seek the outdoors, year ‘round.” It might be more accurate to say that those who seek nature’s beauty in abundance, find it in Grayling. The Grayling area is the headwaters of two rivers: the Manistee River, and the AuSable River. The AuSable’s main branch runs through town, just a block or so from the downtown district where a rush of something fresh has begun to flow. It is art.

On May 28^th two Grayling artists, Kim Diment and Kenneth D. Wright, opened Main Branch Gallery. “This is the first of several art-themed businesses that plan to open on Michigan Avenue in the coming months,” said Wright of the gallery that features nature-inspired art. “The goal is to fill empty stores with private businesses that bring art to the community.”

Kenneth Wright, a retired businessman who moved his family to Grayling in 1974 ”because this is where the river is”, has renewed his passion for photography.  Diment has great respect for  his work. “Ken’s photographs evoke emotion and a sense of familiarity. He manages to mix nature and nostalgia.” Of  Kim Diment,  Wright said, “She’s one of the foremost wildlife artists in the world.” If that seems to be lofty praise, her list of awards and publications in international art arenas certainly supports his claim. “And she’s right here, in Grayling.”

Diment, a former art teacher who “retired” in order to dedicate herself full-time to her painting, sculpture and photography, does not argue with her business partner’s praise. Instead, she talks about the river she loves. “I grew up at the east end of the AuSable. I will live out the rest of my years here where it begins. I love this river and I love northern Michigan. I’ve had the opportunity to travel a lot, but this is my home. This is my heart.”

As for the Main Branch Gallery, obviously named for the nearby river that earned for Grayling designation in Forbes magazine as one of the top 10 fly fishing destinations in North America, the criteria for displaying within its walls is tough. “It has to be top notch,” Diment said. “We’re establishing what I believe is a one-of-a-kind gallery in Michigan, featuring artists who concentrate on nature in their work.”

“Not all of the pieces are necessarily realistic, but all are nature-inspired,” she continued. “People visiting other galleries…people from all over the country and even around the world, who are visiting galleries in Michigan, aren’t finding art that depicts and is inspired by the natural flora and fauna of our state. Main Branch Gallery is a distinctive, intimate gallery that fills that void.”

When Main Branch Gallery opens its doors on the corner of Peninsular Street and Michigan Avenue, eleven Michigan artists, hand-picked by the partners, will have work on display.

They are: Kim Diment, wildlife painter, photographer, sculptor; Kenneth D. Wright, fine art photographer;  Rod Lawrence, renowned Duck Stamp and Trout Stamp artist and painter; Roger Smith, a well-established U.S. bronze artist; Karla Kirkland, former art gallery curator and soft sculpture artist; Jackie House, Native American-influenced pottery, sculpture and 2-D work; Andrea Simons-Novak, plein air, small watercolors; Sabrina Moore, stained glass; Peter Czuk, hand-made crafts furniture; Frank Fruzyna, oils, interpretive birds and portraits; and Carl Schubert, custom wood furniture.

The two Grayling artists clearly share a passion for their art and for the community in which they choose to live. Wright hopes that the opening of Main Branch Gallery will “serve as an encouragement to others. We’re hoping to see more art filling the storefronts in Grayling.”

“We live in a pristine, natural area. It’s part of us,” Diment said. “We want to reflect that in the art we show.”

Main Branch Gallery, 234 E. Michigan Avenue, will be open beginning on Saturday, May 28^th to coincide with Graying’s Spring Art Walk.

Regular hours will be Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday 10 am – 5 pm, Friday and Saturday 10 am – 6 pm.  Monday and Tuesday by appointment.

Visit them on the web at www.mainbranchgallery.com or call 989-344-0030

Story and Photos Submitted by Ann Rowland.

Raven Moon, by Jackie House

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Ocqueoc Barn in Fog, by Ken Wright