The Acorn Center for the Performing Arts transforms into a visual art space with our initiative, Art at The Acorn.
Currently on View:
A Retrospective
We are proud to welcome our former Artists for A Retrospective, on view January through March, featuring artwork from Frank Kurland, Nicolina Holt, Chris Brown, Nathan Margoni, Amy Renzulli and Julie Schwarz.
To purchase artwork, please contact the Artist directly:
Frank Kurland – frank@frankkurland.art
Nicolina Holt – nicolinaholt@gmail.com
Chris Brown – chrisbrown631@gmail.com
Nathan Margoni – nathansmargoni@gmail.com
Amy Renzulli – amyrenzulliart@gmail.com
Julie Schwarz – blacksmith.photo@gmail.com
About the Artists
Frank Kurland
Frank Kurland is a self-taught painter of landscapes, skyscapes and waterscapes loosely interpreting the styles of impressionism, neo- and post-impressionism, and modernism, combined with unique techniques, brushstrokes and perspectives. Frank began painting during semi-retirement (2016) and his work is in private collections, galleries and retail establishments across the U.S.
Nicolina Holt
Nicolina Holt is a photographer and mixed media artist based in Southwest Michigan. She earned a B.F.A. in Studio Art with a concentration in photography and graphic design from Michigan State University and her M.F.A. in Visual Arts from Lesley University.
Chris Brown
Chris was born and raised in the Detroit area, graduated from Michigan State University, moved to Chicago, wrote fiction, played in bands, dabbled in photography, graduated from the University of Chicago, discovered painting during the pandemic and can't stop.
Nathan Margoni
Nathan Margoni is currently the Director of Education at Krasl Art Center in St. Joseph, MI and Adjunct Faculty at Notre Dame University. He received his BFA in Painting from the Cleveland Institute of Art and his MFA in Sculpture from SUNY Purchase College.
Amy Renzulli
Coming from a family full of artists, Amy grew up with the gifts of painting, drawing, writing, and abundant art supplies and guidance. She currently balances her time between two busy, successful School of Rock locations, two art studios, and a burgeoning start-up with one of her creative sisters.
Julie Schwarz
After years in a career of caring for others, Julie decided it was time to care for herself. So several years ago she took a major leap of faith and embarked on an adventure that would change her life. Julie decided to study photography at the Rocky Mountain School of Photography in Missoula, Montana.
On View Next:
A Student Showcase
We are proud to welcome Artists from New Buffalo and River Valley Schools for A Student Showcase, on view April through June. Students Artists will be celebrated during the Art Attack Weekend Launch Party at The Acorn on Thursday, April 24th – a music and art mashup not-to-be-missed!
Student Artists:
Mylo Walters is a senior at New Buffalo High School who enjoys gardening, photography, and most of all — art. She has been drawing ever since she can remember and considers her parents to be her biggest supporters. Walters has been exhibited in the Box Factory For the Arts Community Student Art Exhibition in St. Joseph, MI, and the Region 5 Michigan Art Education Association K-12 Show at the Carnegie Center For the Arts in Three Rivers, MI. She received an Honorable Mention award in 2022 from the Scholastics Art & Writing Awards. After graduation, Walters plans to attend Lake Michigan College, where she will pursue a career in Psychology as a licensed therapist.
Gia Bergquist is an 8th Grade student at New Buffalo Middle School who is involved in wrestling, softball, and band. She loves to write poetry and is always doodling people and her mischievous cat named Fluffy. Listening to music helps her get in the mood to create jewelry and trinkets out of clay. Bergquist is looking forward to new opportunities in high school and has dreams of working in the medical field in Pediatrics and maybe bungee jumping in the future.
Leia Williams grew up in Three Oaks with a family of five and a couple of dogs. She’s been in love with art since she was really young. Being able to create things always fascinated her and sparked something in her brain. As a senior at River Valley High School, she plans to go to college to study forensic science and art or music. Leia’s favorite medium is paint, but will use any drawing tool she can get her hands on while also listening to music, singing, reading, and planning outfits she will never actually wear.
Emily VanTuyle grew up in Three Oaks MI but now lives in Niles. Emily has been interested in art since around the 3rd grade. She’s always enjoyed being able to express herself through her art. Emily enjoys all kinds of art: music, animation, painting and more. She enjoys making messy collages and being able to have fun with art.
We remain open for Artist Submissions for consideration for a future exhibition.
Our current exhibition, A Retrospective, will be on view January through March. Artwork exhibitions rotate once approximately every three months. One Artist is featured during each exhibition/rotation period. Depending on size, generally up to ten to twenty pieces can be displayed.
Upcoming rotation periods are:
- January through March 2025: Art at The Acorn - A Retrospective
- April through June 2025: Art at The Acorn - A Student Showcase featuring Artists from New Buffalo and River Valley Schools
- July through September 2025
- October through December 2025
- January through March 2026
- April through June 2026
- July through September 2026
- October through December 2026
Interested artists should fill out an Art at The Acorn Artist Submission Form.
The Art at The Acorn Artist Submission Form remains open for submissions as we consider interested artists for future rotation periods.
If selected to be a featured artist for Art at The Acorn, additional exhibition terms will be discussed and a written agreement will be required. Transportation and installation of artwork is the responsibility of the artist. Artists must also provide their own insurance coverage and have the ability to take payment for the sale of their work.
Please contact Nikki Gauthier with any questions.