SAUGATUCK, MI – MAY 27, 2021 –The Saugatuck Douglas Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (SDACVB) announced today the launch of the new Saugatuck Douglas Fennville Arts Initiative. (SDFAI). Dedicated to placing highly interactive visual, performing, culinary, healing and horticulture arts in public venues at no cost, the new Arts Initiative will debut their first exhibit, “Unmasked: Photographic Portraits after 2020,” from May 30 – September 5, 2021.

“Unmasked,” an exhibit of cell phone photographs taken by area residents, will be displayed at the Saugatuck Douglas District Library. The purpose of the exhibit is to re-engage the local communities after months of pandemic isolation and to showcase the area residents that were selected for the exhibit. The juried cell phone photographs were chosen by noted local photographers Kim Zahnow and Scott Sullivan.  The other entries will be shown digitally in the library and Kim and Scott will lead photography workshops and discussions.

“The Unmasked exhibit serves as a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with the people in our communities – to once again see the faces of friends, neighbors and acquaintances who are reminders of the joy found in living where we do,” said Maryjo Lemanski SDFAI Coordinator. “Our first exhibit is also an ideal way to introduce the new Saugatuck Douglas District Library facility to area residents and visitors.”

The Saugatuck Douglas Fennville Arts Initiative is made up of two committees – the arts and cultural organizations and the community leaders.  Functioning as a catalyst and collaborator with like-minded organizations, the community-led arts initiative aims to create a positive connection between arts and community development.

“We are thrilled to promote the new Saugatuck Douglas Fennville Arts Initiative to our visitors,” said Lisa Mize, Executive Director, Saugatuck Douglas Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Redefining the ‘Art Coast of Michigan’ is of vital importance for cultural enrichment and the overall community and economic success of the area.”

The 2021 SDFAI Schedule of Exhibitions, Installations and Events will include the upcoming SiTE:LAB featuring Paul Amenta on July 17 and ARTE:LATINO opening at the Fennville District Library on July 15.  For more information on SDFAI, please visit www.sdfai.org.

About Saugatuck Douglas Area CVB

The Saugatuck Douglas Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is a membership-based organization with the mission to promote the area as a premier travel destination as well as strengthen and develop the economic vitality of the area and its members. The SDACVB works to enhance the long-term development of the community through travel conferences and tourism strategies that bring together businesses that rely on tourism for revenue. For more information, please visit www.saugatuck.com.