Artist Showcases Work For 37th Year in Ann Arbor

This year marks 50 years for the State Street Art Fair and for a majority of those years, the State Street District’s fair has featured the passionately talented Catherine McClung. Catherine is an artist who has been showcasing her art here in Ann Arbor for 37 years. That’s right, THIRTY-SEVEN years.

Catherine always knew she wanted to be an artist and explored this in all facets of her life. She spent some time utilizing her background in education to teach children how to capture nature through art while working at a summer elementary program. These experiences only fueled her passion for art and nature further, motivating her to pursue and create her own artwork.  

She often asks herself while creating, ‘What do you want other people to see?’ Catherine sees beauty and inspiration in the nature around her. She is so intently aware of her surroundings that she often finds herself absorbed in watching birds, aweing the foliage and overall immersing her creative mind in nature. To capture these inspirational moments, she will occasionally utilize photography and carry her camera just in case something needs to make it’s way to her paintbrush.

Painting was not always the obvious route of artistry for Catherine, but a comment from a close friend saying ‘if I could paint like you, I would do that’ steered her in this form or creativity. From then on, she discovered a way to convey her passions and interests through paintings.  

These pieces are so incredibly loved by the people of the State Street Art Fair that collectors in the past have camped out in her booth just to purchase the piece that touches their heart.

Having been an artist in the fair for 37 years, Catherine has experienced all that Mother Nature has to offer while displaying her artwork. She remembers past years of tornados, sweltering heat up to 104 degrees, and even cold rain. These moments never lead her to ease up on her passion and highlight her commitment to express and share her creativity.  

When Catherine is not too busy at her booth in Ann Arbor she makes time to visit the Museum of Natural History, where she spends time gazing at the mounted birds. Catherine is looking forward to coming back and reviving her spirit this July while reconnecting with loved friends and collectors of her art.  

She even has some new works that include the gilding of gold and silver. This innovative artist is excited about this unique process and the effect it has when combined with the watercolor medium. Also, for the first time during the Ann Arbor art fair, she will have an exhibit at the University of Michigan hospital in the main lobby. It is called, "His Eye is on the Sparrow."

Just like her artwork, Catherine has made a meaningful and lasting impact on the fair and all visitors are highly encouraged to give her booth a visit. The State Street Art Fair is pleased to showcase her art yet again at its 50 year anniversary July 20th-23rd.