Names Worth Dropping

Sheryl Budnik

Entering ART PRIZE for the third year in a row will be local artist Sheryl Budnik.  Sheryl's artwork has been featured on this blog several times and her paintings of scenes in and around Alpine Township has been on display at the Township Offices as well as a number of prestigious art studios.


According to the Artprize Website, this year's entry, 'Lumen Naturae — Ocean at Night" covers two canvases, each 48 x 30", for a total width of 96". Painted with oil and palette knives, the painting image evokes the experience of floating mid-ocean at night, with stars overhead. 'Lumen Naturae' refers to a mystical term for 'The Light Within the Darkness of Nature'.

More Information is available on Sheryl Budnik's website.

. 'Lumen Naturae'

 

CHRISTINA HAMMOCK

Photo from You Tube presentation

There was a story in the Grand Rapids Press this week about the first woman astronaut from Michigan Christina Hammock having roots here in Alpine Township.  Christina is the daughter of Barbara Johnson,and granddaughter of Walt and Delores Homrich. Walt and Delores are well known farmers in the Township and have operated "Under the Pines" Farm Market for many years.  Christina was one of six new astronauts chosen out of thousands of applicants.  She joins the  ranks of fellow Grand Rapids born astronauts Roger B. Chaffee, who died on Apollo 1, and Jack Lousma.  Christina gives much of the credit for her work ethic to her grand parents and parents.  She still makes frequent visits to the area to visit her relatives.

 

For the complete story by MLIVE contributor Kyle Moroney go to: http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2013/06/grand_rapids_native_is_third_a.html#/0