Mike Byrne

Mike Byrne considers himself primarily a marine artist, painting mainly in Acrylic. However, he is versatile and has explored other subjects and other medium such as watercolor, pastel and pen & ink stipple. Over the years photography has become another strong interest. He continues to try new things has recently began creating abstract works on both canvas and tile.In 2009, Mike was commissioned by the Royal Oak Historical Society to illustrate the organization’s calendar with stipple art drawings of Royal Oak historic treasures. Also in 2009, he was awarded South Oakland Artist Association’s “Artist of the Year” award.Born September 29, 1940, in Detroit, Michigan, Mike Byrne has lived in Royal Oak most of his life. His first real introduction to art was at Shrine High School, where he won awards in woodcarving.In 1959, he attended Meinzinger Art School, then went to Society of Arts and Crafts (which is now The College of Creative Studies), and finished at James Cotton Commercial Art School.While in the U.S. Navy, he met and married his wife, Michele, in 1964. In 1966, Mike started a 40-plus year career in the advertising field with companies such as Burroughs Corporation, Rose Jewelers, and Highland Superstores, before opening his own advertising agency.In 1990, Mike found renewed interest in the fine arts with marine watercolor paintings, which he has exhibited throughout Michigan.Soon he developed a desire to apply his graphics knowledge of printing, and ventured into stipple art, using a very fine Rapidiograph to produce pen and ink drawings, primarily in marine art.Mike is a member of the Royal Oak Arts Council, the South Oakland Art Association, the Detroit Marine Historic Society, the Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association, the National Maritime Historic Society, and the American Society of Marine Artists. 

Sandy Beads, LLC

Creating mixed media watercolor, jewelry and accessories, which feature

Lake Huron Petoskey stones, lake stones, & beach glass!

Hello, I am Joyce Knight-Coyne, a Port Sanilac area native, who

loves the thumb area and M25. I create paintings of local favorite

places and anything that is Michigan.

Sandy Beads, LLC was created in honor and memory of my

childhood friend, Sandy. I donate to cancer research each year.

I graduated from Carsonville Port Sanilac High School, attended

St. Clair County Community College and Eastern Michigan

University. I am a retired art teacher, living in Royal Oak but

spending MUCH time at our cottage in Port Sanilac. My husband

(Joe) and I may retire here!!!

I work primarily with painting knives in oil, but also dabble with

brushes in oil or acrylic.

 Kathy Pare found great joy teaching social art. As owner/artist of an independent small business for 5 years, she created hundreds of original acrylic paintings that were used in group painting classes. She feels honored that her customers have theirs hanging in their homes today. Among Kathy’s favorite childhood memories were drawing and painting with her Grandmother. In 1976, Kathy received an Associate’s Degree in Advertising Design and had a long career in Graphic Arts. Now, Kathy enjoys making personal artwork in watercolor and acrylics inspired by flowers, nature and bright colors.

Melissa Wilson was a high school Fine Arts teacher for 25 years. In addition she

taught several years of college fine arts courses. In 2018 she was the Lake Orion

High School teacher of the year and was also awarded the Most Inspiring Educator

Award for Oakland County public Schools from Scholastic Arts. In 2020 the

Michigan Art Education Association named her high School Art teacher of the year

for the State of Michigan. She completed her BS in Art Education and MA in Art

Education from Wayne State University. She also completed several fine arts and

craft classes at the College for Creative Studies. She was the department head at

LOHS and the National Art Honor Society advisor.

In fall of 2018 she had a solo art show at Swords into Plowshares Peace Center and

Gallery. Her work consisted of 18 paintings that focused on the trauma deportations

are causing to the children and families being left behind. Her exhibit “Moments”

focused on a close family friend who has missed many milestones in her children’s

lives.

Personal website https://wilsonphotographyroyaloak.weebly.com