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See ‘50 Years an Artist’ at gallery
FERNDALE — The Lawrence Street Gallery will be holding an exhibition for Glenn “Fuzz” Corey throughout the month of June.
The exhibition, called “50 Years an Artist,” runs through June 30. An opening reception was held June 4, and a mid-month reception will take place from 2 to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 18, at the gallery, 22620 Woodward Ave., Suite A.
“There are two major trends in the art of the last hundred years: expression and reference,” Corey said in a news release. “For my part, even though some of my works, especially my pastel pieces, have expressive techniques in them, reference plays the major role. Much of the work looks back to the mythology and other subjects that have been depicted by other artists of the past.”
“In much of my work I try to take themes and images of the past and make them more contemporary to try to satisfy the 21st century (poet Charles) Baudelaire,” he continued.
The gallery is open noon-5 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, noon-9 a.m. Fridays and 1-5 p.m. Sundays.
Ferndale mayor joins RTA leadership team
FERNDALE — Ferndale Mayor Melanie Piana has been named a member of the Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan's leadership team.
The RTA recently announced a new chair, Dave Massaron, and three new members of its leadership team: Julia Roberts, as its planning and innovation director; Corri Wofford, as its external affairs director; and Piana, as its program director.
The RTA said in a press release that Piana offers a “unique blend of strong organizational operations and program management paired with her urban revitalization, nonprofit and local government expertise, making her an invaluable addition to the RTA’s leadership team.”
“Her professional background in community development, economic growth, and climate resiliency will help play a crucial role in promoting shared prosperity across the region in mobility and transportation,” the release states.
“Enhancing mobility options across the region makes stronger, more resilient communities and businesses,” Piana said in a news release. “Working collaboratively with the RTA’s board of directors, transit agencies, elected officials, and our communities, I’m eager to advance strategic initiatives that increase our shared prosperity across the region.”
Local students earn Treasurer’s Office recognition
OAKLAND COUNTY — Oakland County Treasurer Robert Wittenberg recently announced the winners and honorable mentions for the 2023 Financial Empowerment Arts Contest.
In partnership with Oakland Schools, Flagstar Bank and the Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency, 22 winners and honorable mentions were picked from 160 submissions from high school students. The submissions came in various mediums, including drawing, painting, photography, mixed media, video and illustration, and they had a focus on the different aspects of financial empowerment.
Winners were selected from ninth to 12th grades across Oakland County schools. In the ninth grade category, the first-place winner was Ryo Salter, of Royal Oak High School. Eva Houston, of Royal Oak High School, was named an honorable mention. Layla Rogers, of Ferndale High School, was named an honorable mention in the 10th grade category, and Bryn Hazen, of Berkley High School, was named an honorable mention in the 12th grade category.
The cash prizes were $1,000 for first place, $750 for second place, $500 for third place and $100 for an honorable mention. The winning art will be displayed in the Oakland County Treasurer’s Office for a year and at the treasurer’s website at oakgov.com, along with all student entries.
“Congratulations to all the students who participated in and won the 2023 Financial Empowerment Arts Contest,” Wittenberg stated in a news release. “The students showcased their exceptional skills, creativity, artistry, and talent, which helped raise awareness about the significance of financial empowerment.
Berkley earns gold in environmental leadership
BERKLEY — According to a Berkley press release, the city earned gold in environmental leadership from Michigan Green Communities. This is the city’s second consecutive year receiving the award.
The release states that the gold award is the highest achievement in the Michigan Green Communities Challenge and “reflects Berkley’s community leadership in areas such as energy efficiency, climate adaptation and resilience, recycling, and environmental justice.”
“The City achieved gold status in the MGC Challenge for exemplary action in multiple categories, including planning, economic development, land use, climate resilience and adaptation, energy efficiency, renewable energy, recycling, composting and waste diversion, water conservation and protection, and clean mobility,” the release states.
“The City of Berkley is proud to once again receive the highest honor in the Michigan Green Communities Challenge for our commitment to and leadership in protecting the environment and promoting environmental stewardship in our community,” City Manager Matt Baumgarten stated. “Through our Environmental Advisory Committee, City Council and City staff, we have enhanced our operations and services to help create a sustainable community both today and well into the future.”
