Michigan Impressionist Opens Solo Exhibition at Geek Brush Studio

Geek Brush Studio announced a solo exhibition featuring the work of Sue Craig, one of Chelsea’s most prolific artists. The exhibition, on view now through the end of April, showcases a curated collection of Craig’s original oil paintings, watercolors, pastels, and watercolor-pastel combinations, a body of work that captures the spirit of Chelsea, the surrounding countryside, and the natural beauty she has spent a lifetime observing.

The public is invited to a Meet the Artist reception on Saturday, March 21 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Guests will have the opportunity to hear Sue discuss her creative process, view her paintings up close, and purchase original works directly. The exhibition will remain on display during regular studio hours for those unable to attend the reception.

A Lifetime of Seeing Beauty Close to Home

Born and raised in Chelsea, Sue Craig has been painting the world around her for as long as she can remember. A graduate of Eastern Michigan University with a degree in Art Education, she spent 30 years teaching English in Chelsea schools while building a devoted following for her luminous watercolor portraits of local homes. Since retiring from teaching in 2001, she has expanded her practice into oil, pastel, and plein air painting, earning recognition across the region as a gifted impressionist whose work radiates warmth and light. Sue is a member of the Chelsea Artists Guild, the Great Lakes Plein Air Painters, and the Ann Arbor and Great Lakes Pastel Association, among other groups. She has been a yearly Artist in Residence at The Terrace Inn in Bay View, Petoskey, and exhibited at ArtPrize in 2014.

“Sue Craig is exactly the kind of artist we dreamed of featuring when we expanded our gallery space,” said Brenda Fineman, founder of Geek Brush Studio. “Her work embodies everything we believe in: the joy of creating, the beauty of our community, and the power of art to connect people. We’re honored to give her paintings a home on Middle Street.”

A centerpiece of this collection is Lake Michigan Beach, a massive 48″x35″ oil on wrapped canvas depicting the shoreline at Glen Haven, Michigan.

Complementing these natural vistas are portrayals of local heritage, such as Seitz’s Tavern II, a 16″x20″ oil on wrapped canvas. This warm streetscape pays homage to one of Chelsea’s fondly remembered downtown institutions. Craig beautifully captures the historic charm of Middle Street.

“I’m inspired by what I see on a daily basis,” Craig said. “The world is truly a miraculous place, and we are blessed to be here. Whether it’s a familiar street in Chelsea that looks completely new in the afternoon light, or a stretch of beach on Lake Michigan, I want to capture that feeling, the way a moment of beauty can stop you in your tracks.”