An artist reception will be held at City Hall from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sept. 13 with

featured local artists Ernest Carl Fackler and Mike Pendleton

 

The City of Farmington Hills Public Art Program is proud to present a new multi-media exhibit featuring the works of two local artists, with a collection of woodcut prints, watercolors and ceramics inspired by the beauty and transformative elements of nature. The exhibit brings together "Trees/Water/Light" by Ernest Carl Fackler and "Fire/Ash/Wood" by Mike Pendleton. It will be on display at Farmington Hills City Hall in the Rotating Exhibits Gallery from Sept. 3 through Oct. 25. 

The public is invited to meet Fackler and Pendleton during an artist talk and reception on Friday, Sept. 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Farmington Hills City Hall, located at 31555 W. Eleven Mile Road. This is a unique opportunity to meet the artists to learn about their creative processes and inspirations. Attendees will also have a chance to explore nearly 100 other works around City Hall on display in the 2024-2025 Public Art Program.

Ernest Carl Fackler’s "Trees/Water/Light" features woodcut prints and watercolor paintings that draw from Michigan nature and mythology. Fackler, known for his vibrant paintings and diverse artistic background, currently has two pieces on display in the Public Art Program at The Hawk. He has been a featured artist at ART on the GRAND and will also be showcasing his work at the upcoming Michigan Makers Market at The Hawk on Oct. 19. 

"Fire/Ash/Wood" by Mike Pendleton explores the transformational effects of fire on ceramics, evoking the colors and textures of nature. Influenced by the ever-changing landscapes in Michigan, Pendleton’s functional art captures the essence of the natural world. Using a variety of techniques such as wood-firing and ash glazes, he transforms raw materials into unique pottery pieces. He also has a piece on display in City Hall, as part of the 2024/2025 Public Art Program.

"The City is thrilled to continue showcasing the incredible talent of local artists through the rotating art exhibits at City Hall,” said Rachel Timlin, supervisor for the City of Farmington Hills Special Services Department Cultural Arts Division. “Since its inception in 2010, this initiative reflects an unwavering commitment to infusing art into the community, sparking the opportunity for engagement and cultural dialogue among those who visit City Hall." 

The exhibit will be open to the public during City Hall hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Most of the artwork in the Public Art Program and rotating exhibits is available for purchase. Contact the City’s Cultural Arts Division at 248-699-6709 for additional information.

The 2024/2025 Public Art Program features a diverse and eclectic mix of works created by artists ranging from raw talents, fresh out of College for Creative Studies to seasoned professionals skilled in the Impressionist style. The works on display feature a variety of media, including clay, metal, fiber, paint and photography, with subjects ranging from very contemporary to traditional.

The City of Farmington Hills has the largest dedicated municipal Cultural Arts Division in the State of Michigan. The Division coordinates arts programming for the community, including classes, events, and activities in visual and performing arts, and year-round performances at The Hawk Theatre, to expose diverse populations to the arts. The City’s Cultural Arts Division also works to empower makers of all ages and abilities in The Hawk Makerspace, an immersive facility that allows makers to access a variety of state-of-the art tools and equipment, as well as a creative community with a wealth of resources and knowledge, to grow a new hobby or skill, from sewing to woodworking.

 

Press Release PDF