Art Exhibit Reception: Nick Bair & Kelsey Doletzky

This December, the Village Arts Factory is proud to present two inspiring concurrent exhibitions that celebrate the beauty of the natural world, the stories of place, and the unique artistic voices within our community. Join us for a special evening reception on December 12 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM to meet the artists, explore their work, and experience the richness of creativity that fills our gallery this season.

In “Animals of the Land, Sea, and Sky”, Michigan artist Nick Bair explores the vast diversity of the animal kingdom—from the sweeping savannahs and icy arctic tundra to dense jungles, soaring skies, and deep ocean habitats. Created primarily within the last year, his pieces reflect a lifelong passion for animals and their conservation.

Working across a wide range of media, including ink, watercolor, acrylic, charcoal, pan pastel, colored pencil, digital art, and clay, Nick selects each medium intentionally to capture the texture, expression, and presence of the species he portrays. His work often carries a narrative quality, inviting viewers to connect emotionally with the animals he depicts.

Nick is an artist with autism whose perspective brings a distinctive and powerful voice to his work. A world traveler and frequent visitor of zoos and museums, he draws inspiration from firsthand encounters and global exploration. His art has been exhibited across Michigan, and he is known locally for contributing his talents to organizations supporting individuals with special needs.

In “Where the Light Lingers”, photographer Kelsey Doletzky invites viewers into the quiet, glowing moments that shape Michigan’s northern landscape, capturing the soft light, familiar textures, and fleeting beauty that define the region’s spirit.

Raised in Michigan and deeply rooted in the traditions of heading “up north,” Kelsey’s work reflects a deep sense of place and nostalgia: the golden hush of sunset through pine trees, the calm of lakeside mornings, and the stillness just before dusk. Her photography emphasizes not just what a scene looks like, but how it feels—warm, peaceful, timeless.

Now based in Metro Detroit, Kelsey continues to travel north as often as she can, finding inspiration and restoration in Michigan’s natural light and landscapes. Her exhibition brings together images that honor those in-between moments where memory and emotion meet.