City of Farmington Hills Announces Art Exhibit Featuring Drawings of Birds in Southeast Michigan and Beyond
A reception with artist Karri Bloemer will be held at City Hall on Friday, Jan. 24
The City of Farmington Hills Special Services Cultural Arts Division is pleased to announce the opening of a new art exhibit at Farmington Hills City Hall, featuring the art of Karri Bloemer. The exhibit, Drawings of Birds in Southeast Michigan and Beyond, will be on display from Jan. 20 through March 14.
The public is invited to an artist talk and opening reception on Friday, Jan. 24, from 6-8 p.m. at City Hall, located at 31555 W. Eleven Mile Road. This exhibit is part of the City’s ongoing commitment to showcasing local talent and promoting art within the community. Visitors will not only enjoy Bloemer’s bird drawings but also gain insights to her creative process during the artist talk.
Bloemer is a seasoned graphic artist who brings a unique perspective to her art, creating detailed life-like depictions of birds and wildlife. Her journey into wildlife art began in 2020, when time outdoors observing nature inspired her to start drawing the animals and birds she encountered, including many in Heritage Park in Farmington Hills, a popular location for southeast Michigan birders.
“I strive to create a realistic glimpse of the wildlife I see on my local trails and in my neighborhood,” said Bloemer. “What begins as a millisecond captured by my camera evolves into detailed drawings on my tablet, then prints mounted in repurposed frames, saving materials from landfills while creating something beautiful.”
The 2024/2025 Farmington Hills Public Art Program, which was established in 2010, features more than 60 artists with diverse and eclectic style, 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. Bloemer’s solo exhibit not only highlights her artistic talents but also supports the program's goal of enriching the community through the arts. As part of the Public Art Program, several exhibits will rotate throughout the year in the gallery at City Hall, including Elizabeth Hull’s acrylic paintings in April and May, literary arts in June and July, and art from Farmington Public Schools students in August and September.
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.
Visitors can view the exhibit during City Hall’s regular hours, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Most of the artwork on display is available for purchase, offering an excellent opportunity for art enthusiasts to acquire unique pieces while supporting local talent.
For more information about the exhibit or to inquire about purchasing the art, please contact the City’s Cultural Arts Division at 248-699-6709.