SEPTEMBER 28 • 2023 | 49
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To learn more 
about ArtPrize, 
which ends 
Oct. 1, go to 
artprize.org.

Two of Sider’s images have 
received competitive recogni-
tion. They placed in categories 
designated by Canvas Pontiac, 
a program that has been spon-
sored by the Detroit Institute 
of Arts. 
“I think it can enhance 
everybody’s lives to understand 
and learn about a culture that 
they didn’t know about,
” Sider 
said. “I think it’s very important 
to be more inclusive of the Jews 
from around the world who 
have very different and rich 
cultures.
”
As Sider works on this series, 
she also makes time to teach 
workshops about different 
artistic skills. Recent programs 
have been held at the University 
of Michigan in Dearborn and 
on Long Island. A program in 
North Carolina has been sched-
uled for October. 
“I studied Yemenite jewelry 
designs, and I have created 
Yemenite jewelry out of clay 
and silver metals incorporated 
into the mosaics,
” said Sider, 
whose varied work is offered 
in Michigan at the Twisted 
Fish Gallery in Elk Rapids 
and the Main Street Gallery 
in Leland. Ambleside Gallery 

in Greensboro, North 
Carolina, also sells her 
designs. 
As Sider expands her 
artistic images along vari-
ous subjects, she has delved 
into Michigan roads and is 
exploring landscape scenes. 
“I’ve been working on 
new textural techniques 
in glass mosaic that focus 
on landscapes,
” she said. 
“The inspiration behind 
my pieces is a moment that 
is spiritual with me. There 
are moments when I just 
feel awe. Hopefully, some-
one else can feel that.
”
A recent alteration in the 
way Sider works, which has 
included making and teaching 
art for more than 40 years, has 
come with a remodeling of 
her studio. It will hold about 
10 students. Classes in mosa-
ics, paintings and drawings 
are planned to start there in 
November.
With three adult sons who 
have taken on responsibilities 
and moved into their own 
homes, Sider and her husband, 
Bill, an attorney, are experi-
encing the lifestyle of empty 
nesters. 
Glad about her presence at 
ArtPrize, Sider is hoping to get 
competition votes from exhibit 
visitors and jurors, who decide 
on money prizes given to par-
ticipating artists. 
ArtPrize is a collaboration 
among the city of Grand 
Rapids, Downtown Grand 
Rapids Inc., and Kendall 
College of Art and Design of 
Ferris State University.
“One of my Yemenite mosa-
ics focuses on children of 
immigrants,
” Sider said. “The 
difficulties in finding hous-
ing while leaving everything 
that you know and trying to 
assimilate to a new culture can 
become so global.
” 

“Water 
Insecurity”

Madame Butterfly

OCTOBER 7-15
AT THE DETROIT OPERA HOUSE

SEASON SPONSOR

WITH ADDITIONAL SUPPORT FROM:

This ALL NEW production, directed by 
Matthew Ozawa and with an all Japanese and 
Japanese-American creative team, received rave 
reviews at its premiere in Cincinnati. Come see 
and hear the opera you love in a new light!

DetroitOpera.org 

TICKETS AT:

Photo: Philip Groshong, Cincinnati Opera

