East Church Artists Exhibits in the McBride Gallery 2025 -Special Musical Concerts in the Main Sanctuary
January - March 2026
Tom (TR) Bont
Artist Bio:
Tom Bont’s collection of landscapes is now officially installed, offering a serene journey through the natural world.
Moving from the mist-laden shores of the Great Lakes to the vibrant horizons of the Southwest, Tom’s work goes beyond simple observation. He truly captures the quiet essence of nature. In a graceful departure from traditional canvas, Tom brings these vistas to life on hand-selected raw edge wood and custom-cut panels. The natural grain and organic textures of the wood serve as a living foundation for his brushstrokes, bridging the gap between the art itself and the earth that inspired it.
November – December 2025
Carole Nielsen Watercolor
You can find more about Carole at her Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/people/Carole-Hunnes-Nielsen-Artist/100063808111638/
Artist Bio:
Carole Hunnes-Nielsen is a watercolor and watercolor batik artist. Her home state of
Michigan is where she finds inspiration. The changing seasons each have their own
beauty and the great lakes have some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Nature and color are the most important elements in her work.
Carole has had a life long love for art. She attended Western Michigan University and
earned a BS degree in Art Education and a MA degree in Education. She spent thirty
years teaching high school art.
She retired in 2010 and now has time to grow and learn as an artist. She enjoys trying
new techniques, ideas, and materials.
Since retirement, she have been in many juried and solo exhibitions. She has won
awards for her watercolors and watercolor batiks. She is a signature member of the
Michigan Watercolor Society.
She loves that she now has time to be a part of the art community in her area. She
loves to share and bring happiness to others through her art. She has learned so much
from others and sincerely appreciates everyone’s generosity to share. She will always
be striving to be a better artist. There is so much to learn. She will always feel
challenged. She is an artist in progress, always learning.
July – August
Melanie Strobel – local artist – https://www.instagram.com/melstrobel/
Seeking to shine light and radiate hope wherever possible is my mission. Colorful, whimsical, abstract art has allowed me space to intentionally calm my nervous system and show up as my most authentic self.
Creating a variety of art has carried me through painful losses and a debilitating battle with Lyme Disease. Painting has provided a soothing escape from the unknowns of our broken world, guiding me back to trusting and honoring myself. I am honored to share my art with you.
September – October
Ashley D’Amico Abstracts
ashleyabehr@gmail.com
616-633-7886
Ashley offers a unique and expansive experience combining colorful mixed media art with the ability to touch many of the works.
“Each piece is not only something to look at, but to enter into. The textures I build are an invitation for the viewer to step beyond the visual and into a tactile dialogue with the work and your experience. After lingering with the colors, I encourage you to close your eyes, run your fingertips across the surface and notice what arises.
In this way, the work becomes a shared experience, less about passive observation and more about presence, intimacy, and connection. The act of touching, of engaging with texture and depth, allows each experiencer to create their own meaning and discover their own alchemy between grief, joy, and the quiet beauty of being present.”
A Perspective of Walter and Lois McBride's work and influence in Grand Rapids
A Perspective of Walter and Lois McBride’s work and influence in Grand Rapids
Artwork, tapestries, personal bios of both, photos of them if they can be found and reproduced.
Working with GRAM and other civic sources.