Creative Art Society
2026 Art Ambience
Juried Exhibit, Non-Juried Show and Sale
Thank you for participating, volunteering, and attending the
2026 CAS Art Ambience EXHIBIT, SHOW AND SALE
2026 Art Ambience Fine Art Exhibition Show and Sale
Location
Woodhaven Community Center, 23101 Hall Road, Woodhaven, MI 48183.
Honorary Chairperson
Matthew Dietz is a Detroit-area visual artist. Raised in Columbus, Indiana, he was influenced by city architecture and public art, especially Henry Moore’s Large Arch. He earned a BFA in painting and printmaking from Herron School of Art, a post-baccalaureate certificate from the Art Institute of Chicago, and an MFA in painting and drawing from Ohio State University, where he also taught as adjunct faculty.
He has taught at Trident Technical College (Foundations), College of Charleston (Painting), and College for Creative Studies (Foundations). His work has been shown in Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, South Carolina, and Detroit.
Matt has 20+ years in art-supply retail and advises on materials. He will help panel attendees make museum- and archival-quality work.
The Show
Each artist at The Art Ambience exhibit may submit 3 juried Fine Art pieces and up to 5 non-juried jewelry, craft items, or small paintings. Last year, more than 50 artists entered, each allowed up to 8 pieces.
The show opened on Friday at 6:00 pm with an opening reception to meet the artists. Entertainment was local guitarist Steve Washburn, who performs country, pop, and rock solo and with other musicians.
Juror
Christopher Schneider chose the awards. Raised in Nebraska, he appreciates wide open spaces and solitary subjects. He discovered art in his 30s after nearly a decade of high school teaching. Photography has long been important to him; he helped produce the Guinness Book of World Records’ largest photograph. He also developed the Cranbrook Summer Art Institute for teens. He lives in Hamtramck.
Questions?
Contact Maureen Keast at 734-777-6109.
Art Ambience Awards
Best of Show First Place - $300.00
Donated by JSP Dental - Jackson, Snider, Parker
"Strength is Immortal" - Cheryl Zemke
Second Place - $200.00
Donated by Jean Peacock, CAS member, and Marilynn Harlan, CAS Co-Treasurer
“The Joy of Painting” Celeste Nantambu
Third Place - $100.00
Third Place Award - $100
Donated by Carol Wolan, CAS Co-Treasurer
“Sunny” Mike Bollerud
Honorable Mention Awards (3) $30.00 each
Donated by Elizabeth McNeely, CAS Co-President
“Echoes of the Red Horizon” Kris Staneck
“Field of Gold” Sandra Difazio
“My Old Car” Barbara Reinholz
Artists’ Choice Award - $100.00
Donated by Karen Banko, CAS Co-Vice President
“Manor on the Hill” James Rodriguez
2026 Visual Art Scholarship Awards- $750 each
Donated by CAS Members
Laura Garcellano
Jelena Nguyen
Ella Pigott
Information can be found on the website or by contacting Maureen Keast at 734-777-6109
Best of Show First Place - $300.00
"Strength is Immortal" - Cheryl Zemke
Here’s more info about this year’s event