Patricia Opel

b. 1962 Kalamazoo, Michigan

Lives & Works in West Michigan

EDUCATION

1998 M.A., Counseling in Higher Education, Western Michigan University. Kalamazoo, Michigan. Licensed Professional Counselor.

1988 M.F.A., Painting, Northern Illinois University. DeKalb, Illinois.

1984 B.F.A., Painting, Western Michigan University. Kalamazoo, Michigan. Cum Laude.

PROFESSIONAL HONORS

2003

Selected Top 100 alumni from the past 100 years as part of the WMU Centennial Celebration.

EXHIBITION AWARDS

2017

All Media Competition, Oliver Arts Center, Frankfort, MI. *Third Place Award.

MI Arts All Media Competition, Holland Area Arts Council, MI. *Second Place Award.

2016

55th Greater Michigan Exhibition, Dow Museum of Art and Science, Midland, MI. *3-D Award of Merit.

All Media Competition, Oliver Arts Center, Frankfort, MI. *Honorable Mention.

2015

MI Arts Competition, Holland Area Arts Council, MI. *Second Place Award.

2014

53rd Greater Michigan Exhibition, Dow Msuem of Art and Science, Midland, Michigan. *Most Innovative Idea Award.

Change of Seasons Exhibition, White River Gallery, Montague, Michigan. *Best of Show.

2009

81st Regional Exhibition, Muskegon Museum of Art, Muskegon, Michigan. *Grand Valley State University Purchase Prize.

2007

West Michigan Area Show, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, Kalamazoo, Michigan. *Second Place Award.

Change of Seasons Exhibition, White River Gallery, Montague, Michigan. *Honorable Mention.

“The Show” Annual Competition, Artsplace, Newaygo County Center for the Arts, Fremont, Michigan. *First Place Award in Painting.

2006

78th Regional Competition, Muskegon Museum of Art, Muskegon, Michigan. *Third Place Award.

1999

Winterfest II, Gallery Upstairs, Grand Haven, Michigan. *Honorable Mention

1990

Kalamazoo Area Show, Kalamazoo Art Institute, Kalamazoo, Michigan. *Best of Show Award

1984

Ars Nova Competition, Gallery 200, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois. *Award winner

Kalamazoo Area Show, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, Kalamazoo, Michigan. *Award winner

1983

Annual Art Competition, Krasl Art Center, St. Joseph, Michigan. *Best of Show

SOLO AND SMALL GROUP EXHIBITIONS

2024

Patricia Opel and Timothy Norris, Red on Blue Gallery. South Haven, Michigan.

2023

Anima and Animus, Devries Gallery, Kellogg Community College. Battle Creek, Michigan. *solo

2009

Patricia Opel and Timothy Norris: Solo and Collaborative Works, Stubnitz Gallery, Department of Art and Design, Adrian College, Michigan. Two-Person Show.

Through a Crack in the Lake: Collaborative Paintings, Richmond Art Center, Frostic School of Art, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan. Two-Person Show.

2008

Through a Crack in the Lake, Rankin Gallery, Ferris State University, Big Rapids, Michigan.

2007

Need and Want, Overbrook Gallery, Muskegon Community College, Michigan.

2006

Through a Crack in the Lake, Muskegon Museum of Art, Michigan.

Through a Crack in the Lake, Lansing Art Gallery, Michigan.

2005

Paintings, artist’s showcase, Muskegon Museum of Art, Michigan.

Tribal Roots, Overbrook Gallery, Muskegon Community College. Four-person show.

Through a Crack in the Lake, Bobbitt Visual Arts Center, Albion College, Michigan.

2002

Through a Crack in the Lake, Augustana College Art Museum, Rock Island, Illinois.

Solo Works, Black Hawk College, Moline, Illinois.

2000

Wrestling Natures: Collaborative Paintings, Art Center of Battle Creek, Michigan.

Through a Crack in the Lake, Artsplace, Newago County Council for the Arts, Fremont, Michigan.

1999

Works by Patricia Opel and Timothy Norris, Gallery Upstairs, Grand Haven, Michigan.

1997

Kindred Spirits, Vesuvius Art Gallery, Glenn, Michigan. Two-person show.

Wrestling Natures, Carnegie Center for the Arts, Three Rivers, Michigan.

1996

Streams and Chains, Adrian College, Adrian, Michigan. Albion College, Albion, Michigan. Muskegon Community College, Muskegon, Michigan. Lansing Art Gallery, Lansing, Michigan. Saginaw Art Museum, Saginaw, Michigan. Lake Superior State University, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. McCune Art Center, Petoskey, Michigan. Seven-person traveling group show.

1995

Streams and Chains, Artspace, The Center for the Visual Arts, Lima, Ohio.

Senses of Space, Krasl Art Center, St. Joseph, Michigan. Four-person show.

Timothy Norris, Patricia Opel and John Running-Johnson, Fine Arts Gallery University of Michigan, Flint, Michigan.

Small Paintings on Wood, Kingscott Gallery, Kalamazoo, Michigan. Solo show.

Sunken Cathedral, Traver Rohrback Gallery, Kalamazoo, Michigan. Two-person show.

1994

Recent Work, Davidson Gallery, Kellogg Community College, Battle Creek, Michigan. Solo show.

1992

4 Divers and Sundry, Buckham Fine Arts Project, Flint, Michigan. Four-person show.

1991

New Work, Upjohn Company, Kalamazoo, Michigan. Solo show.

Recent Work, Weber Gallery, Pikeville College, Pikeville, Kentucky. Solo show.

1990

Patricia Opel, Timothy Norris & John Running-Johnson, South Haven Center for the
Arts, South Haven, Michigan.

1989

New Work, Northern Indiana Arts Association, Munster, Indiana. Solo show.

1988

Recent Paintings, Highland Gallery, Highland Community College. Freeport, Illinois. Solo show.

1987

What’s New in Art? Galesburg Civic Art Center, Galesburg, Illinois. Three-person invitational show.

1984

Portfolio Series, Light Tight Gallery, Kalamazoo, Michigan. Solo show.

GROUP EXHIBITIONS

2025

Homage to the Square, Rockford University Art Gallery, Rockford, Illinois.

2017

Women Create, Van Singl Performing Arts Center, Byron Center, Michigan.

2016

Studio Brew: The Colors of Beer, Muskegon Museum of Art, Michigan.

2015

Reprize, Holland Area Arts Council, Michigan.

2014

Teachers Show, Fire Barn Gallery, Grand Haven, Michigan.

2011

Upcycling: Creating More with Less, Muskegon Museum of Art, Michigan.

2010

Mirror, Mirror: Art Inspired by Folk and Fairy Tales, Muskegon Museum of Art, Michigan.

2008

It’s About Time, various locations, Muskegon, Michigan. Artists interpret the theme as part of the annual county-wide Arts and Humanities Festival.

2005

Wheels in Motion, Muskegon Museum of Art, Michigan. Ten artists interpret the theme of technology and humanity as part of the annual county-wide Arts and Humanities Festival.

Water Wonderland: Michigan’s Fragile Resource, Lowell Area Arts Council. Thirty-two Michigan artists respond to water.

2004

Artist as Educator, Artsplace, Newaygo County Council for the Arts, Fremont, Michigan.

1998

Fall of the House of Usher, Urban Institute of Contemporary Arts, Grand Rapids. Paintings also used in Opera Grand Rapids’ production of The Fall of the House of Usher by Philip Glass.

1997

In the Garden, Vesuvius Art Gallery, Glenn, Michigan. Invitational Show.

1996

Significant Others, Shelbyville Art Emporium, Shelbyville, Michigan. National Invitational Show.

1995

Faculty Show, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan.

University Faculty Exchange Exhibition, University Galleries, Illinois State University, Bloomington-Normal, Illinois.

1993

Inner Fantasy/Outer Reality, Art Center of Battle Creek, Michigan. Invitational Show.

1992

East Meets West, Jean Paul Slusser Gallery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.

616 Vessels, Holland Area Art Center, South Haven Center for the Arts,

Krasl Art Center, St. Joseph, Michigan. Invitational Traveling Exhibition.

1991

Faculty Exhibition, Multi-media Gallery, Dalton Center. Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Fontana Concert Series, Shelbyville Art Emporium, Michigan. Invitational Show.

Faculty work, Calder Gallery, Grand Valley State University,
Allendale, Michigan.

SELECTED JURIED EXHIBITIONS

2017

Whitewater Valley Competition, Thomas Gallery, Indiana University East, Richmond, Indiana.

89th Regional Exhibition, Muskegon Museum of Art, Michigan.

MI Arts Competition, Holland Area Arts Council, Michigan.

All Media Competition, Oliver Arts Center, Frankfort, Michigan.

2016

55th Greater Michigan Exhibition, Dow Museum of Art and Science, Midland, Michigan.

2015

87th Regional Exhibition, Muskegon Museum of Art, Midland, Michigan.

MI Arts Competition, Holland Area Arts Council, Michigan.

Artprize, Western Michigan University Grand Rapids Center, Michigan.

2014

53rd Greater Michigan Exhibition, Dow Museum of Art and Science, Midland, Michigan.

Change of Seasons Juried Exhibition, White Lake Gallery, Monague, Michigan.

2013

Artprize, Western Michigan University Grand Rapids Center, Michigan.

52nd Greater Michigan Exhibition, Dow Museum of Art and Science, Midland, Michigan.

85th Regional Exhibition, Muskegon Museum of Art, Muskegon, Michigan.

2012

84th Regional Exhibition, Muskegon Museum of Art, Muskegon, Michigan.

2011

83rd Regional Exhibition, Muskegon Museum of Art, Muskegon, Michigan.

2009

81st Regional Exhibition, Muskegon Museum of Art, Muskegon, Michigan.

Change of Seasons Juried Exhibition, White Lake Gallery, Montague, Michigan.

2008

48th Greater Michigan Exhibition, Dow Museum of Art and Science, Midland, Michigan.

Social Discourse, Lansing Art Gallery, Michigan.

80th Regional Competition, Muskegon Museum of Art, Muskegon, Michigan.

2007

47th Greater Michigan Exhibition, Dow Museum of Art and Science, Midland, Michigan.

“The Show” Annual Competition, Artsplace, Newaygo County Center for the Arts, Fremont, Michigan.

79th Regional Competition, Muskegon Museum of Art, Muskegon, Michigan.

2006

Back to the Floor, Elaine L. Jacob Gallery, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan.

78th Regional Competition, Muskegon Museum of Art, Muskegon, Michigan.

2005

Change of Seasons Juried Exhibition, White Lake Gallery, Montague, Michigan.

All Michigan/All Media Competition, Rankin Gallery, Ferris State University, Big Rapids, Michigan.

Festival 2005/Reginnal Art Exhibition, Grand Rapids Art Museum, Grand Rapids, Michigan.

2004

All Michigan/All Media Competition, Rankin Gallery, Ferris State University,
Big Rapids, Michigan.

76th Regional Competition, Muskegon Museum of Art, Muskegon, Michigan.

The West Michigan Area Show, The Institute of Arts, Kalamazoo, Michigan.

2002

The West Michigan Area Show, The Institute of Arts, Kalamazoo, Michigan.

2001

73rd Regional Competition, Muskegon Museum of Art, Muskegon, Michigan.

2000

72nd Regional Competition, Muskegon Museum of Art, Muskegon, Michigan.

1999

71st Regional Competition, Muskegon Museum of Art, Muskegon, Michigan.

1997

69th Regional Competition, Muskegon Museum of Art, Muskegon, Michigan.

1996

Stateline Exhibition, Rockford Art Museum, Rockford, Illinois. Regional.

Jackson Area Show, Ella Sharp Museum, Jackson, Michigan.

1995

The All Michigan/All Media Show, Krasl Art Center, St. Joseph, Michigan.

The Kalamazoo Area Show, The Institute of Arts, Kalamazoo, Michigan.

1994

The All Michigan/All Media Show, Krasl Art Center, St. Joseph, Michigan.

1993

The All Michigan/All Media Show, Krasl Art Center, St. Joseph, Michigan.

18th Biennial Regional Exhibition, The South Bend Museum of Art,
South Bend, Indiana.

1991

17th Biennial Michiana Art Competition, The Art Center, South Bend, Indiana.

Regional 64, Muskegon Museum of Art, Muskegon, Michigan.

All Michigan Fine Arts Competition, Birmingham Bloomfield Art Association, Birmingham, Michigan.

The All Michigan/All Media Show, Krasl Art Center, St. Joseph, Michigan.

Kalamazoo Area Show, Kalamazoo Art Institute, Kalamazoo, Michigan.

1990

Spiritual Visions: A Liturgical Exhibition, Northern Indiana Arts Association, Munster, Indiana.

1989

16th Biennial Michiana Regional Show, South Bend Art Center, South Bend, Indiana.

1988

Ars Nova Competition, Gallery 200, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois.

1987

Norris Gallery Mixed Media Vicinity Exhibition, Delores A. Norris Arts Center.
St. Charles, Illinois.

1986

“Space: New Form/New Function,” Arrowmont Gallery, Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, Gatlinburg, Tennessee. National.

Ars Nova Competition, Gallery 200, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois.

Illinois State Professional Art Exhibition, Herbert Georg Professional Art Gallery, Springfield, Illinois.

Ars Nova Competition, Gallery 200, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois. .

Rockford Area Show, Clark Art Center, Rockford College. Rockford, Illinois.

1985

Norris Gallery Mixed Media Vicinity Exhibition, Delora A. Norris Arts Center, St. Charles, Illinois.

Ars Nova Competition, Gallery 200, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois.

Midwest Exhibition, ArtLink Gallery, Fort Wayne , Indiana. Regional.

1984

Norris Gallery Mixed Media Vicinity Exhibition, Norris Arts Center, St. Charles, Illinois.

DOCUMENTATION HIGHLIGHTS

“Artful Alumni.” Review of Through a Crack in the Lake at Western Michigan University by Honore Lee, Kalamazoo Gazette, May 24, 2009.

“Art exhibition steps up quality, presentation,” review of regional exhibit at Muskegon Museum of Art by John Walson, with photo documentation, Muskegon Chronicle, June 8, 2008.

“Abstract shipwrecks make energetic impact,” review of collaborative show at Muskegon Museum of Art by John Walson, with photo documentation, Muskegon Chronicle, February 2006.

“Water inspires artists,” review of exhibit at Lowell Area Arts Council by Gail Philbin, with photo documentation, Grand Rapids Press, October 16, 2005.

“Spirituality key to new exhibit,” article for show at Overbrook Gallery, Muskegon Community College, by Jennifer Meese, with photo documentation, Muskegon Chronicle, January 16, 2005.

“Michigan family offers a glimpse of the crack in the lake,” review of show at Augustana College Art Museum by Julie Jensen, The Dispatch and Rock Island Argus, September 22, 2002.

“To know one’s stuff,” review of show curated by Patricia Opel at the Muskegon Museum of Art, by Bill Reed, Muskegon Chronicle, September 6, 1998.

“Personal, professional ties lead to touring show,” review of exhibit at Saginaw Art Museum by Darlene Damp, with photo documentation, Saginaw News, April 12, 1997.

“Vesuvius falls into exhibitions,” article for Kindred Spirits exhibit at Vesuvius Gallery, Allegan County News, September 18, 1997.

“Fontana art opener upholds standards.” Review of show at The Art Emporium, Shelbyville by Amy Sult,
Kalamazoo Gazette, July 31, 1996.

“Artist’s balance contemporary work.” Review of show at University of Michigan-Flint by Mary Ellen
Zang, with photo documentation, Flint Journal, June 11, 1995.

“WMU show more satisfying than past exhibits, review by amy Sult, with photo documentation, Kalamazoo Gazette, September 17, 1995.

“Symbolic explorations found in Opel’s work.” Review of solo show at Kingscott Gallery by Amy Sult, with photo documentation, Kalamazoo Gazette, January, 1995.

“Duality of artists revealed in “Reality” and “Fantasy” art shows.” Review of invitational group show at the Art Emporium and Art Center of Battle Creek by Honore Lee, Kalamazoo Gazette, July, 1993.

“Annual WMU faculty show,” review by Mark Maher with photo documentation, Kalamazoo Gazette, January 31, 1993.

“Buckham show diverse, exciting.” Review of 4 Divers and Sundry by Wilma Romatz, Flint Journal, June 21, 1992.

Exhibition Catalogue: “Spiritual Visions: A Liturgical Exhibition,” with photo documentation. Northern Indiana Arts Association, Munster, Indiana, 1991.

New View magazine with photo documentation of “Red Ringing”, Summer 1990.

RELATED PROJECTS, PRESENTATIONS, JURYING, AND VISITING ARTIST ENGAGEMENTS

2009

Visiting Artist, Department of Art and Design, Adrian College, Michigan.

Gallery Talk, Richmond Art Center, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo.

2008

Gallery Talk, Rankin Gallery, Ferris State University, Big Rapids, Michigan.

Co-juror, “Safety Awareness Challenge:” county-wide 3rd grade student art competition sponsored by county Prosecutor’s Office.

2006

Workshop presenter: Early Childhood Conference, Muskegon Community College,
Muskegon, Michigan. “Art and Preschoolers- Drawing as a foundation for writing.”

Radio Interview: Through a Crack in the Lake at the Muskegon Museum of Art,

WBLV Blue Lake Public Radio, Grand Rapids-Muskegon metro region.

2005

Radio Interview: Universe at the Urban Institute of Contemporary Arts, WBLV Blue Lake Public Radio, Grand Rapids-Muskegon metro region.

2002

Visiting Artist: Augustana College and Black Hawk College, Quad Cities, Illinois.

1998

Paintings in Opera Grand Rapids’ The Fall of the House of Usher by Philip Glass.

Juror: Art in the Park Art Fair, Muskegon Museum of Art.

1995-98

Co-curator: Streams and Chains: Traveling show of seven Michigan artists. Artspace-Lima, Ohio, Michigan sites: Albion College, Adrian College, Muskegon Community College, Lansing Art Gallery, Saginaw Art Museum, Lake Superior State University, Sault Ste. Marie; McCune Art Center, Petoskey.

1996

Guest Curator. “Our Stuff: From Flamingos to Tiffany Glass” Muskegon Museum of Art, Muskegon, Michigan.

1991-92

Workshop Instructor: Michigan Youth Arts Festival, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan.

1990

Radio Interview: Timothy Norris, Patricia Opel, John Running-Johnson Exhibition at South Haven Center of the Contemporary Arts, WMUK Public Radio, Kalamazoo.

1989

Visiting Artist Lecture. Pikeville College. Pikeville, Kentuky.

WORK EXPERIENCE

2009-present

Owner/Operator, Kook’s Eye Gallery, Pentwater, Michigan.

2002-2016

Adjunct Art Instructor and Gallery Co-Curator, Muskegon Community College. Muskegon, Michigan.

1998-2001

Program Counselor, Grand Valley State University, Higher Education Center, Muskegon, Michigan.

1998-2003

Adjunct Counselor, Muskegon Community College. Muskegon, Michigan.

1988-1996

Academic Art Advisor & Instructor, Western Michigan University. Kalamazoo, Michigan.

1991

Adjunct Professor, Grand Valley State University. Allendale, Michigan.

1988-1989

Exhibitions Assistant, Western Michigan University. Kalamazoo, Michigan.

1986-1988

Drawing Instructor, Northern Illinois University. DeKalb, Illinois.

1984-1986

Graduate Director’s Assistant, Northern Illinois University. DeKalb, Illinois.

Work

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