Looking for something to do over the long Labor Day weekend? Interested in something unique?
Then hit the road for the Franklin Art Show’s 25th anniversary celebration ‘Art on the Green? to visit Independence Township artists Ruth and Ed Coulson.
The Coulsons will show their clay pieces along with more than 60 other artists.
‘We really enjoy this show. It’s a nice place to present our work. It’s a smaller, intimate show,? Ruth said.
Ruth added that she participated in the Franklin show once before. She first attended the art show earlier in her career in the 1980s. About three years ago, the couple was asked to present together.
According to the Coulsons, Ruth was participating in a private showing with friend Elizabeth Lurie. Lurie’s friend Peggy Kerr, then an organizer for the Franklin Art Show, attended the showing and was impressed with the local artist’s work.
‘We got a verbal invite not to long after that,? said Ed.
‘It was one of the first times we had shown our work together,? remembered Ruth. ‘It was fun. The work compliments each other.?
Ruth began her career in art in the 1970s. She holds a bachelor’s degree in art and has taught art for more than 30 years. Her preferred medium is clay, and she once studied at the Pewabic Pottery in Detroit.
‘I’ve branched out recently to metal and wood,? said Ruth. ‘I was studying at Oakland Community College and am now working on my master’s at Wayne State University.?
Ruth enjoys focusing her pottery on what she calls ‘image boxes.? The work resembles a painting she makes into ?3-D.?
‘That’s what you get with clay that you don’t get with painting,? said Ed, ‘that third dimension.?
Ed, who retired from GM Truck and Bus in 1995, describes his work as ‘strictly clay, strictly functional.? Examples of his ‘functional? pieces include plates, serving bowls, pitchers, lidded cookie jars, cups and casseroles.
He has taken classes at Oakland Community College for the past nine years.
‘I use clay because it’s enjoyable and it’s what I’ve been exposed to,? said Ed. ‘I do like the artistic aspect of doing this. I don’t like production. I’m not the kind of guy who can sit down and do 20 pieces at a time.?
Ed said each of his pieces are unique and individual. Also, he always adds a way for the piece to be displayed, such as a hanger on the back of a plate, if not used.
Both Independence Township artists have won awards for their work. Most recently, they jointly received ‘Best of Show in Clay? at the Shelby Township Art Fair this month.
‘Art is my life and I can’t do without it,? said Ruth.
‘Clay loves to be handled. Clay loves to be moved and shaped. Clay loves to be glaze fired. To be the person doing the maneuvering is a grand experience,? said Ed in some notes he prepared before his interview.
‘The feel of taking clay, of making forms from the clay, and of putting them into a functionally pleasing object is a very pleasing and pleasant sensation,? Ed continued. ‘To have those forms appreciated by others is satisfaction unto itself.
‘This is my reward. This is my pleasure. This is why I do clay.?
Ed and Ruth have lived in Independence Township for 13 years. They have three sons and daughters-in-law ? Jim and Brenda, Chuck and Sandra, and Mike and Chagit ? and seven grandchildren, all of whom Ruth says ‘are very artistic.?
‘Art on the Green? takes place Sept. 5 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Franklin Village Green on Franklin Road between 13 Mile and 14 Mile roads. Admission is free.