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Quick answer: Exploring Creativity in Montcalm County highlights local talents Makenna Weber, a photographer, videographer, and graphic designer, and Seth Thomas Sutton, an Arts and Humanities instructor at Montcalm Community College. The county’s picturesque landscapes inspire artists, while the college’s Digital Arts program offers pathways for students to pursue careers in commercial art or design, with potential earnings ranging from $34,100 to $94,700 annually.
Key Takeaways
- Makenna Weber is a photographer, videographer, and graphic designer with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Digital Arts from Montcalm Community College.
- Montcalm County provides a serene and inspiring backdrop for artists, photographers, and video producers due to its picturesque landscapes and vibrant small-town communities.
- Seth Thomas Sutton, an Emmy-nominated Métis artist, scholar, author, and activist, chairs the Arts & Humanities Department at Montcalm Community College.
- Montcalm Community College’s Digital Arts program prepares students for roles as commercial artists or graphic designers, with potential earnings from $34,100 to $94,700 per year.
- The Discover Montcalm Podcast, produced by Duane Weed of DW Video & Multimedia, features local stories and creative talents from Montcalm County.
Exploring Creativity in Montcalm County
Being Creative in Montcalm County
“Let Me Tell You My Story” opens up Makenna Weber’s “About Me” website page. She is a photographer, videographer, and graphic designer all in one! Visit her websiteÂ
Duane caught up with Makenna at the 2024 Digital Arts A.S.S. Student Art Exhibition at Montcalm Community College. Makenna has always had a love for the arts and holds an Associate of Applied Science degree in Digital Arts from Montcalm Community College. She is based in Michigan but loves exploring all of the beautiful places God has created around the world. Her goal is to travel the world to capture people’s visions and bring them to life!
Exploring Creativity Provides Opportunity in Montcalm County
Montcalm County provides a serene and inspiring backdrop for artists, photographers, and video producers alike. The picturesque landscapes and vibrant small-town communities offer endless inspiration. Photographers can capture the unique beauty of each season, from the blossoming colors of spring to the serene snowfall of winter. For video producers, Montcalm’s rich history and dynamic local stories provide compelling content for various projects. Whether painting, photographing, or filming, Montcalm County is fertile ground for creativity, allowing artists to share its natural beauty with the world.
An Instructor’s View on Being Creative in Montcalm County
Seth Thomas Sutton, M.A., is an Arts and Humanities instructor at Montcalm Community College, where he also serves as chair of the college’s Arts & Humanities Department. He is an Emmy-nominated Métis artist, scholar, author, and activist. Learn more about him here https://www.montcalm.edu/
Active in his pursuit of social and cultural justice as an educator and activist, Seth writes and lectures on various topics, including cultural criticism, critical theory, post-colonial political landscapes, Tribal sovereignty, traditional Indigenous art and culture, Western art and culture, anthropology, contemporary social issues, sustainable agriculture, and more.
Duane explored the Digital Arts program with Seth during the Student Art Exhibition. Seth brings a passion for art, creativity, expression, and more to his classes at MCC. His views on teaching, learning, education, and knowledge are key to his educational philosophy. According to Seth, “I feel the most critical aspect of learning is the change that is achieved through individual successes and failures.” He continues, “I feel that effective teaching enables students to draw connections between past and present experiences to form a new set of experiences and criteria for which to examine the world around them.” For more on his insights into academic achievement and philosophy, visit his website. https://seththomassutton.com/seth
Explore Creativity at the Digital Arts Program – Montcalm Community College
Students who earn an Associate of Applied Science degree will be prepared with the background and skills necessary for work as a commercial artist or to operate their own design business. This degree can lay the foundation for continued study at the bachelor’s degree level, landing a job as a graphic designer earning $34,100 to $94,700 per year. Learn more https://www.montcalm.edu/
Exploring creativity in Montcalm County is a journey that reveals the county’s natural charm and vibrant spirit, inspiring artists to create and share their unique perspectives with the world.
About Discover Montcalm Podcast
Discover Montcalm Podcast is produced by Duane Weed. He started DW Video & Multimedia https://www.dwvideo.com in 1984. Today he runs the business and teaches Digital Arts at the Montcalm Area Career Center. Connect with Discover Montcalm to tell and share your story. Call 231-250-9624 to learn more and schedule an appointment. Check out all our past episodes https://
Feature Your Business on Discover Montcalm Learn about upcoming shows, how you can be a guest on the show and maybe even a sponsor. Contact Duane for more information. Call Duane 231-250-9624 Follow and subscribe
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Exploring Creativity in Montcalm County episode 88
Discover Montcalm Audio Podcast
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Sources & Methodology
This article was authored by Duane Weed, founder of DW Video & Multimedia, LLC, based in Howard City, Michigan. With over 35 years of experience since establishing his business in 1984, Duane is an accomplished video producer, multimedia specialist, and Digital Arts instructor at the Montcalm Area Career Center. His deep understanding of visual storytelling, local community engagement, and educational philosophy informs his work, including the Discover Montcalm Podcast. Duane’s extensive background provides the firsthand experience and expertise necessary to explore and present the creative landscape of Montcalm County.
The insights shared in this post are derived from firsthand interviews conducted by Duane Weed at the 2024 Digital Arts A.S.S. Student Art Exhibition at Montcalm Community College. The content features direct perspectives from Makenna Weber, an emerging local artist, photographer, and graphic designer, and Seth Thomas Sutton, M.A., an Emmy-nominated Arts and Humanities instructor and department chair at Montcalm Community College. This methodology ensures authentic local experience and expert commentary directly from those making a significant impact on the county’s creative scene.
References:
- Montcalm Community College: Information on Makenna Weber’s Associate of Applied Science degree in Digital Arts, Seth Thomas Sutton’s faculty profile, and the Digital Arts program details. (Source: https://www.montcalm.edu/meet-our-faculty, https://www.montcalm.edu/1581)
- Seth Thomas Sutton’s Official Website: Further insights into his academic philosophy, artistic endeavors, and activism. (Source: https://seththomassutton.com/seth)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): Occupational Outlook Handbook for Graphic Designers, providing salary data and job outlook information. (Source: https://www.google.com/search?q=Bureau+of+Labor+Statistics+graphic+designer+salary)
- Montcalm County Government & Tourism Resources: General information and context regarding the county’s cultural and natural attributes. (Source: https://www.google.com/search?q=Montcalm+County+Michigan+official+website)
Publication Date: May 20, 2024
Beyond the Digital Canvas: Montcalm County’s Broader Creative Landscape
While digital arts and individual talents like Makenna Weber and Seth Sutton shine brightly, Montcalm County’s creative spirit extends far beyond. The region is home to a growing network of independent art galleries and studios, such as the Montcalm Center for the Arts or various local artisan shops, providing venues for artists of all disciplines to showcase their work and connect with the community. These spaces foster a vibrant local art market and offer unique opportunities for residents and visitors to discover handcrafted treasures.
Furthermore, community art initiatives and workshops frequently pop up across the county, inviting individuals of all ages and skill levels to explore their own artistic potential. From pottery classes in Greenville to painting groups in Stanton, these programs build a strong foundation for creative expression. Annual events like the Montcalm County Fair often feature dedicated art and craft exhibitions, alongside local music festivals and theatrical performances that celebrate the rich tapestry of performing arts. These diverse avenues collectively paint a comprehensive picture of Montcalm County as a true haven for creativity, constantly inspiring new forms of artistic endeavor and community engagement.
