The Saugatuck-Douglas History Center opened its doors on a chilly spring evening to the Museum at Mount Baldhead for guests to get a special preview of the new gift shop offerings. Over the past few months, SDHC board members Christopher Thau and Annie Hayes partnered with local artists from the Saugatuck-Douglas Art Club to create a collection of art for purchase, not only for visiting tourists, but also for locals looking to support their fellow community members. Rest assured to the ambitious and adventurous individuals, the museum still has cold water and their classic “I Climbed Mount Baldhead” merchandise available for purchase but now, when visitors step in for a cool refreshment and a badge of success, they will also be met with the beautifully crafted artistry from a rotating collection of local artists.
The shop currently includes merchandise from both longtime and up-and-coming artists, such as Robert Jeffrey, a retired elementary school teacher and member of the Saugatuck-Douglas Art Club. Jeffrey’s colorful photographs include locations around Saugatuck, displaying the beauty of the beloved lakeshore. Also found in the gift shop is a collection of Annie Vedovell’s glass jewelry and serving pieces. Each item of this collection includes a unique twist, from lizards on wine stoppers to ladybug earrings. Additionally, you can find the “stuff found at the beach” jewelry of Toni Houtman, the artist behind the Flying Trout Works Studio, and a longtime local of the Holland-Saugatuck area. Featured artists in the shop this month also include Jacqueline Carey and Stephanie Vandeven. The gift shop will feature these collections for six weeks at a time before rotating a new collection; each month will feature new artists and artwork to discover. When visitors purchase an item from one of these artists, it not only supports the art community but also the Saugatuck-Douglas History Center.
Guests of the event also had the pleasure of browsing additional art created and displayed by members of the Saugatuck-Douglas Art Club. The SDHC is excited for future partnership opportunities with the Art Club, as well as continuing to provide a space to showcase local artistry. Stay tuned for weekly artist features by following the SDHC on Instagram or Facebook.
Some of the Saugatuck-Douglas Art Club artists featured this summer:
June:
Robert Jeffery
Toni Houtman
Jacqueline Carey
Annie Vedovell
Stephanie Vandeven
July:
Ruth Crowe
Michele Mabele
Michael Goers
August:
Barri Rosenbluth
Susan Meekhof
