Bay College Highlights Artist-Deborah Abramson’s “The White Pantsuit” This Month

News

Bay College is honored to display artist- Deborah Abramson’s donation to the Bay College Art Collection, The White Pantsuit, in the Besse Gallery for The Celebration of Women’s History Month.  The White Pantsuit received the 1st place award at Bonifas Art Center for Northern Exposure XXVII-2020, 1st place at the Alberta House’s April Exhibition- 2021 and People’s Choice Award at North of the 45th, 2021.  The White Pant Suit was also requested to appear at a reception for Governor Whitmer.

Artist Bio

I began my journey with glass 18 years ago. Always a “dabbler,” I had been with bead weaving and finding it difficult to find unique beads to accent my pieces.  The solution was to take a glass lampworking class with area artist Beth Cox. Little did I know, I became addicted to fire and glass.  My search for an artistic voice has led me to glass blowing, lampworking, molding, fusing, wire weaving and back again to bead weaving.  I have always believed in the need for a passion in life.  Glass has supported me during my professional career as a critical care/ED nurse.  It has provided me with a strong and nourishing group of friends.  Lastly, glass has eased my way into retirement.

Artist Statement

The White Pantsuit Project began as a way to manage the negative emotions I was experiencing during the aftermath of the 2016 Presidential Election, specifically those regarding women’s issues.  The related women’s protest marches of 2017 and 2018 stimulated my interest in the history of Women’s Suffrage and Liberation movements.  At the same time, I was searching for a way to meld my two favorite artistic media: Peyote Bead Weaving and Lampworked Glass.  Over the four years it took to complete this piece, negativity gave way to the desire to honor all women who have contributed so much to advance women’s rights.

The College invites the community on campus to view current pieces in the hallways, courtyard and in the Hartwig and Besse Galleries. Galleries are free and open during building hours. Current exhibits include: Liv Aanrud in the Besse Gallery and Sherri Loonsfoot-Aldred in the Hartwig Gallery.

Bay College is devoted to your success in the classroom, on-campus, online, in the community and into the workforce.  We’re proud to offer certificates and programs that result in successful careers, associate degrees and credits that transfer to universities, and workforce training to sharpen your skills and advance your career.  #BayIsTheWay

The Art and Design program at Bay College is designed to provide students with a strong general education background as well as concentration in art and design. This program is designed for students who wish to transfer to a four-year college or university. Students should work closely with an academic advisor to select courses needed for their intended major at the four-year institution they plan to attend. The school, through the Besse Gallery and Hartwig Gallery, also provides students with exposure to exhibitions, visiting artists, and artist talk’s exemplifying the cultural breadth of the visual arts from national, regional, and local sources, including the College's permanent art collection. Studios include professional facilities and equipment in Ceramics, Photography, Digital Cinema, Graphic Arts, Painting, Drawing.