Cheryl Ann Boc-Chidester
Artist​
Hi, I'm Cheryl...
I am an artist and explorer of media, continually experimenting with techniques that evoke rich textures, dynamic light, and vibrant color. My work is inspired by nature, travel, history, and architecture, often reflecting moments of serenity, joy, or beauty. I frequently work in watercolor, graphite, photography, handmade papers, and encaustic techniques, allowing each subject to guide my creative approach.
As an architectural historian, I’m drawn to historic buildings and cultural textures, often capturing them in watercolor street scenes or macro photography highlighting overlooked details in nature. Regardless of the medium, my goal is to create art that interprets and shares a personal perspective on place, culture, or emotion, fostering connection through visual storytelling.
Based in Michigan, I hold a BFA and MS from Eastern Michigan University and have served in many roles across the arts, from graphic designer to museum director. I currently teach at the School for the Arts, hold workshops throughout the region, and am the proprietor of Cheryl’s Creative Custom Art & Framing. My work has been widely exhibited and awarded, including a grant from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs.
"Self Portrait", watercolor
Affiliations
Michigan Watercolor Society – board of directors, traveling exhibition co-chair
Detroit Society of Women Painters & Sculptors, scholarship committee
Crooked Tree Art Center
Brighton Art Guild, Curator of Art in the Alley
Northville Art House, instructor
Three Cities Art Club
Guild of Artists and Artisans
School for the Arts, instructor
Artist for Community Exhibits
Detroit Institute of Arts
Historical Society of Michigan
Ypsi Fine Arts Club
It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see.
Henry David Thoreau
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Northville Art House
Watercolor Workshop, October 24 & 25, 12–4 pm
Wycinanki Workshop, December 12, 1-4 pm
You can register for Northville Art House Workshops here
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Ludington Area Center for the Arts
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Watercolor Workshop, August 26 & 27, 1-5 pm
Cyanotype, August 28, 1-3 pm
Wycinanki, August 29, 11:30 am -1:30 pm.
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School for the Arts, Brighton MI
Summer Youth Art Camp:
June 22-25, 10 am- Noon
August 3-6, 1-3 pm
​Young artists will explore the fundamentals of art by learning about different artistic styles and media. From drawing to painting and pastels to charcoal, they will gain diverse experience in artistic expression!
Register at: https://www.schoolforthearts.net/
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Crooked Tree, Traverse City:
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Watercolor: Exploring Color and Texture — September 25 & 26, 10–2 pm
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Wycinanki: Paper Folk Art — October 16, 4:15–6:15 pm
Autumnal Cyanotype — October 17, 10 am–12 pm
Oliver Art Center, Frankfort:
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Glen Arbor Art Center:
Wycinanki, October 5, !2:30-4:30 pm​
Cyanotype, October 6, 10 am-12 pm
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Whitepine Studios, Saline:
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​Register
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Gutman Gallery, Ann Arbor
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Cyanotype – August 15, 10-Noon
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Upcoming Workshops
Current Exhibitions
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Art of the Story, Northville Art House, MI
Opening Reception, May 29, 5-8 pm, through June 30​
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Two-person exhibition - Turner Senior Center, Ann Arbor, MI
Reception, May 17, 3-4:30 pm - all are welcome! through July 30.
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Michigan Inspired — Brighton District Library, MI April 20–June 29
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America at 250 — CoBACH, Brighton Art Guild June 1–July 6
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Views and Visions — Village Fine Arts Association at the SHAC June 1–July 3
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Michigan Watercolor Society Annual Exhibition — Ella Sharp Museum, Jackson, MI June 20–August 5 Reception: April 17, 5–8 pm
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St. John's Resort, Plymouth, MI
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Sheraton Detroit Novi Hotel
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Northville Pickle Ball Club, MI
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Farmington Hills City Hall
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Farmington Hills Community Center (The Hawk)
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Summer Art Fairs!
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Coastal Caravan, July 25 (Frankfort, MI)
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Saline Summer Fest, August 5
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Gallery Representation
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White Pine Studio, Saline, MI
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Northville Art House, Northville, MI
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Gutman Gallery, Ann Arbor, MI
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Big Easel Gallery, Wabeno, WI
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Oliver Art Center, Frankfort, MI