Sharon J. Rickard

ALPENA — Thunder Bay Arts Council and Gallery, Inc. presents Sharon Rickard as their featured artist for July and August.

An open house will be held for her from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Friday, July 7, in the TBA Gallery, 127 W. Chisholm St., downtown Alpena. The reception is free and open to the public.

Rickard has always had a love of art, from that first wonderful-smelling new crayon box and “dad-made” art table, which she has had since age 5, until the present “husband-made” studio of today. She is mostly self-taught, though she has taken workshops and classes in watercolor and experimental media from many talented teachers.

Rickard taught third grade for 26 years and later taught art for future teachers at Alpena Community College. She has always received inspiration from nature, having grown up surrounded by it, but also enjoys “people subjects” and especially animals. Her dogs are a favorite subject, as was her cat. They are constantly posing for you. Color in itself is truly fascinating, especially bright colors, and the way they can be coaxed into so many shades. She likes to put them in unexpected places. She is a member of the Northeast Michigan Artists’ Guild.