Biography
Christi Dreese-Carter was born in Michigan and has been involved in the arts since she was a child. She spent summers as a girl on her father’s boat coasting along Lake Michigan. It was there that she grew to love the calm waters, sunsets, and relaxed atmosphere. She studied at Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan where she acquired her Bachelor of Art degree and business administration major. After college, Christi worked for Frames Unlimited in Grand Rapids, where she learned the custom framing industry. These events have lead Christi to owning a fine art gallery and custom framing business in Spring Lake, Michigan.
Christi paints from her heart. She loves being near the water and therefore paints many West Michigan lakeshore scenes. “The water gives me a sense of peace as I sit in my chair gazing across the lake.” Several sketches are created in graphite and then taken back to the studio for her interpretation.
Along with Christi’s passion for painting the lakeshore, she has also found abstract to be a great emotional release and different creative process from her impressionistic landscapes. Many of her abstract pieces are developed from current color trends, yet every piece has a personal meaning.
Christi’s love for the arts, lakeshore and personal growth continues to inspire her to create new works and have meaning in life.
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Selected Gallery Representation/ Exhibitions and Awards
Holland Area Arts Council, Holland, MI 2009
Bette Clark Cannon Gallery, Frauenthal Center, Muskegon, MI 2009
Celebration of the Arts, Juried Exhibit, 2009, Grand Rapids, MI
Gallery Uptown, Winterfests 2009, Juried Exhibit.
Lafontsee Gallery, Grand Rapids, MI 2008.
Mia & Grace, Muskegon, MI 2008.
White River Gallery, Seasons Change Exhibit, Montague, Michigan 2008, Juried Exhibit.
Clay Avenue Cellars, Muskegon, MI 2006.
The Gallery Uptown, Winterfest, Grand Haven, MI, Juried Exhibit, January 2005 & 2006.
White River Gallery, Montague, MI, May 2005.
Grand Rapids Art Museum, Festival 2005 Regional Arts Competition, May 2005.
St. Cecilia’s Music Society, Terryberry Gallery, April 2003, Solo Exhibit.
Betty Clark Cannon Gallery, Muskegon, MI, October 2002, Juried Exhibit.
The Depot, Muskegon, MI, May 2002, Juried Exhibit.
Betty Clark Cannon Gallery, Muskegon, MI, October 2001, Juried Exhibit (1st Place).
The Depot, Muskegon, MI, May 2001, Juried Exhibit (1st Place) and (Honorable Mention).
Betty Clark Cannon Gallery, Muskegon, MI, October 2000, Group Exhibit.
National City Bank, Grand Rapids, MI, September 2000 – March 2002, Solo Exhibit.
Nine Ten Big Fat Hen Gallery, Grand Rapids, MI, April 2000, Group Exhibit.
Selected Private/ Corporate Collections
Mr. & Mrs. Boll, Spring Lake Michigan
Saunders Winter McNeil, Grand Haven, Michigan.
Community Shores Bank, Grand Haven, Michigan
Spring Lake Village Hall/ J. Hansen, Spring Lake, Michigan
Community Shores Bank, Muskegon, Michigan
Mr. & Mrs. Kienke, Fruitport, Michigan
Mrs. Ryan, Spring Lake, Michigan
Mr. Hill, Spring Lake, Michigan
Mr. Fewless, Spring Lake, Michigan
Mr. & Mrs. Kress, Spring Lake, Michigan.
Mr. & Mrs. Bordeaux, Saginaw, Michigan.
Mr. Junge, Spring Lake, Michigan
Mrs. Kinney-Drachus, Spring Lake, Michigan
Ms. Krueger, Wisconsin
Mr. & Mrs. Matzke, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Ms. Englert, Montana
Ms. Jordan, Ferrysburg, Michigan
Mrs. Lytle, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Mr. Prange, East Grand Rapids, Michigan
Mrs. Bridges, Byron Center, Michigan
Ms. Verplank, Spring Lake, Michigan
Mr. Brown, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Mr. & Mrs. Yost, East Grand Rapids, Michigan
Mr. & Mrs. Keinke, Fruitport, Michigan
Ms. Walsh, Denver, Colorado
Mrs. Riopelle, West Olive, Michigan
Lectures
Aquinas College Art Students, 2003.
Spring Lake High School, Junior Achievement, 2005.
Memberships
Grand Haven Chamber of Commerce, Grand Haven, MI 2002 – Present.
Grand Haven Area Arts Council, Grand Haven, MI 2002 – Present.
Lakeland Artists, Grand Haven, Michigan, 2003 – Present.
Muskegon Fine Art Society, 2000 – 2003.
Education
Aquinas College, Bachelor of Art and Business Administration Major, 1993 -1997.
