Dogs are man’s best friends. From the lovable and lazy to the hard-working support animals, they have a special place in all of our hearts. For my paddle, I decided to depict some common hunting dogs: the German Shorthaired Pointer; the Brittany; the Labrador Retriever; and the Beagle (left to right). These are dogs that we have all seen in Grayling–in the parks, on the kayaks and canoes, out on the patios at local restaurants, and hanging out of the windows of their owner’s vehicle, on the way to the cabin for a little hunting and relaxation. For those that own a pet, it is nearly impossible to think of home without thinking of them, and Grayling is home (or home away from home) for both the person and their furry companion. Dogs have such a way of bettering the community and making the world a better place. They are a very important part of why a lot of people love living in or visiting Grayling, and I’m sure that they love that they can always be included.

Dylan Holberton is a woodworker based in Fairview, MI.   His contribution to Paddles for the Marathon is a swan and her cygnet crafted from locally milled woods including black walnut, bass and white oak.

As a designer and a woodworking instructor, I am influenced by the beauty of nature in northern Michigan and I work hard to include these elements in my work. Before I began to lay out my design, I choose local lumber species that will help to portray the beauty of our area. I used white oak for the paddle, while the intarsia trout design is made up of sugar maple, shagbark hickory, jack pine, black cherry, black walnut, and basswood. As for the subject of my design, the brown trout, I created this illustration simply because it is often the first thing that comes to mind when people think about the beauty of the Au Sable River.

Scott Rice earned his BFA in Illustration from Kendall College of Art and Design and his MFA in Painting and Drawing from Central Michigan University.  Since 1996, he has been a faculty member for Kirtland Community College’s Art Department and is responsible for all the beginning and advance courses in drawing, painting, watercolors, illustration, portfolio and art history.

Since arriving to Kirtland, Scott has been an active member in the art community as an artist, juror and advisor.  During his time at Kirtland, he received numerous honors and awards as an artist and instructor throughout the nation; such as, Who’s Who in American Instructors, Gold Medal in Drawing: Bosque Conservatory’s Annual Realism Exhibition, Jesse Besser Museum’s Northeast Annual Art Exhibitions, Top 50 Portrait Artists: The Artist’s Magazine and Distinguished Alumni Award: Kendall College of Art and Design.

Also, during his time at Kirtland, he has helped create AAS in Foundations in Fine Art degree and 1 certificate in Graphic Design for art students: at the same time, assisted 50+ students receive a combine total of $1,000,000+ in scholarships to attend Kendall College of Art and Design and the College of Creative Arts.

If you are interested in finding the artist within you, pushing your art to the next level or learning more about Kirtland’s art programs and courses, feel free to contact Scott at (989)275-5000 ext. 300.

Perhaps there is no better way to explain our infatuation with the Brookies in the Au Sable system or I guess it’s because I haven’t heard of a better one yet. If you know where to look, there are some wonderful Brookies in the Au Sable, most which are small, but others will surprise you! The colors and aggressive nature make a Brook Trout a true joy to pursue, and often times a fly angler’s favorite fish to chase. Brook Trout fishing is where I started my trout fishing journey and I’m always thrilled when I can recreate that sense of being a child again.

The beauty of God’s creations inspires me; the emotions it stirs within, the connection of mind, body, and spirit. Working to express this beauty in my paintings, capturing color, light, emotion, texture and depth. To leave a legacy for all to enjoy!

In my artwork, I like to get my inspiration from components and influences that have been in my life. I got the idea for this paddle from the wild black bears that I would see walking around in my yard last summer. I’m inspired by everyday life and love allowing others to see and enjoy my artwork.

Information coming soon. 

With this  pyrography paddle project I wanted to show women on the AuSable. As a girl raised on this river fishing and swimming I think a representation of us is refreshing and substantial.

 “Caught in the Woods”

Medium –  wood burning