The Shiawassee Arts Center opens with a new exhibit featuring artwork by Laura DeLind of Mason, Ruth Eganter of Perry, and Samantha Hall of Mancelona. The exhibit, which runs July 9 through August 29, is sponsored by Joy Welty. The public is welcome to attend the ‘Meet the Artists’ reception Thursday, July 16, 5-7pm

Laura B DeLind has been cutting and hand-printing block prints for over 40 years. She is drawn to the challenge of black and white design and to the problems presented through the interactions of positive and negative space. Organic shapes figure prominently in her work. Birds, especially, provide her with a read-made “excuse” to play with shape and pattern and to see the world in simple, sensitive, and often whimsical ways.

As a nurse and nurse educator, while also raising two daughters and supporting her husband, Ruth Egnater sought to incorporate an artistic element into her daily routine. Ruth explored bookmaking, jewelry, and pottery, but her greatest passion emerged from oil painting. Then fifteen years ago, after participating in a printmaking class, she resolved that her retirement would revolve around the art of printmaking.

Ruth generates her images from ideas and the narratives that she creates in her mind. The final product is rarely what she starts with. Prints are hand-pulled and limited editions. The images that are made are original but deeply inspired by other artists, museums, the natural splendor and wildlife of our planet, the political climate, and my own story.

Samantha Hall is a professional artist specializing in colored pencil drawings. With a deep appreciation for the beauty and simplicity of nature…capturing and highlighting these qualities is at the heart of her work. Originally from the east side of Michigan, Samantha earned her BFA in Illustration from Kendall College of Art and Design in 2015. She dedicates much of her time to creating lifelike pet portraits for clients, while also exploring the intricate details found in the natural world—from the delicate curve of a flower petal to the complex textures of fish scales and bird feathers.

The Shiawassee Arts Center, celebrating its 54th anniversary in 2026, is located at 206 Curwood Castle Drive in Owosso and is open to the public, free of charge, Mon-Wed, Fri 10-5, Thurs 10-6 and Sat noon-3pm. The Arts Center features the artwork of local and statewide artists in eight galleries including the Frieseke Gallery and a specialty Gift Shop. SAC is a non-profit organization whose mission is to present quality arts and cultural activities that educate, entertain and enrich the quality of life in our community. For more information 989.723.8354 or visit www.shiawasseearts.org.