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
Summer Art Fairs (continued)
• Coastal Caravan — July 25, Frankfort MI
• Saline Summer Fest — August 5
• Melon Festival Art Show — August 14–16, Howell Opera House, MI
• Brighton Street Art Fair — August 21–23, Main Street, Brighton MI (My work will be in the Brighton Art Guild tents.)
Upcoming Workshops
Gutman Gallery, Ann Arbor, MI
• Cyanotype — August 15, 10 am–Noon (to be rescheduled)
Ludington Area Center for the Arts
• Watercolor Workshop — August 26 & 27, 1–5 pm
• Cyanotype — August 28, 1–3 pm
• Wycinanki — August 29, 11:30 am–1:30 pm
https://www.ludingtonartscenter.org/workshops
School for the Arts, Brighton, MI
• Summer Youth Art Camp — August 3–6, 1–3 pm https://www.schoolforthearts.net/location/brighton/summer-camps-br
Crooked Tree Art Center, Traverse City, MI
• Watercolor: Exploring Color and Texture — September 25 & 26, 10–2 pm
• Wycinanki: Paper Folk Art — October 16, 4:15–6:15 pm
• Autumnal Cyanotype — October 17, 10 am–12 pm
https://www.crookedtree.org/classes/classes-and-workshops.html
Glen Arbor Art Center
• Wycinanki — October 5, 2:30–4:30 pm
• Cyanotype — October 6, 10 am–12 pm
https://glenarborart.org/classes/adult-classes/
Northville Art House
• Watercolor — October 24 & 25, 12–4 pm
• Wycinanki — December 12, 1–4 pm
https://northvillearthouse.org/education/workshops/
White Pine Studios - TBA
Current Exhibitions
• Two person exhibition — Turner Senior Center, Ann Arbor, MI (through July 30)
• America at 250 — CoBACH, Brighton Art Guild (June 1–July 30)
• Michigan Watercolor Society Traveling Exhibition — Adrian Center for the Arts (August 10–30) Opening reception: August 16, 2–4 pm
• Emerge! 2026 — Hannan Center Kayrod Gallery, Detroit Opening reception and awards ceremony: August 1, 2026
Other Places to See My Work
• Honeycomb Gallery, Farmington, MI
• St. John’s Resort, Plymouth, MI (Summer exhibition, new work)
• Sheraton Detroit Novi Hotel
• Northville Pickleball Club, MI
• Northville Art House, MI
• Farmington Hills City Hall
• Farmington Hills Community Center (The Hawk)
• Whitepine Studios, Saline, MI (New watercolors and giclées)
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