NEW BUFFALO — As the Courtyard Gallery begins its 29th year, it will present its second annual “Celebration of Artists” show from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 28 and Sunday, April 29. This year, the group has added several artists; some are painters, others are glass artists and many photographers from the USA and Europe.

New additions to the gallery include:

• Lenore Senovic, an oil painter, with more than 30 years of experience, describes herself as an expressionist dedicated to color, emotion and texture in every stroke of her brush.  Her figurative work reflects the depth and softness needed to complete her intended vision, according to the gallery.

• Charles Schadel’s oil paintings are about exploring the beauty of nature.  His work reflects the glorious color, shapes and emotional reactions created when he paints out- doors.  Back in the studio, a field study may evoke new feelings and a desire to translate it into a larger in-depth creation, according to the gallery.

• Karen Van Dam Michmerhuizen calls herself a late bloomer.  She didn’t start painting full time until her children were all reared and she had retired from being an academic secretary.  An oil painter at heart, she said she likes to observe light and shadow, color and shape at various times of a day.  Using brushes and a palette knife gives her an excitement that she likes to share with her viewers, she said.

• Deena Arnold makes hand painted creations on designer natural wood furniture. Her artwork is a combination of many artistic influences, according to the gallery. Bright colors are offset with black and white patterns.  Realism is blended with graphic, and each element stands out on its own while at the same time creating balance and harmony.

Now, the gallery is celebrating the life and passing of Ric R. Benda. Ric was a world renowned abstract floral artist with more than 450 international and national awards to his credit, according to gallery officials. A native of Chicago, he attended the Art Institute and eventually became a member of the prestigious Art Club of Chicago. In 1995, he was one of two recipients to win the prestigious “Award of Excellence” from the Municipal Art League “Artist of the Year” award.

Although watercolor was Benda’s first love, he admitted to equally loving all forms of media, according to gallery officials, adding that Benda was “a very special artist and a friend to so many.”

The Courtyard Gallery is located at 813 E. Buffalo St. New Buffalo, Michigan. Its hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Sunday, and Tuesdays by appointment.  For more information, call (800) 291-9287 or email gallery@courtyardfineart.com.