Margaret (Midge) Calahan grew up in Allegan, Michigan. She studied art at the Grier School, graduating in `67. She then went on to Sullins College, in Virginia for two years and finished at Albion College, Michigan, receiving her AFA & BA.in art, with chemistry as her minor. Finding art more to her interest, she independently studied sculpture and collage with Vernon Bobbett, a well-known artist in Michigan.
In 1970, Albion College sent their prize students to Europe, to study art history first hand. Midge and her small group traveled to seven countries in the six months they were there.
In 1971, she continued her study in Mexico at the Talapaque Art Center. Here she learned the art of pottery making, carving and printing. She first exhibited her paintings and collages this year in Michigan.
Midge married Michael Calahan in 1982, and the couple wintered in St. Marten, West Indies, for seven years. Then they bought a house in St. Croix, in the Virgin Islands. Here Midge joined the Ha’ Penny Art Organization and exhibited her island inspired oil paintings. But a brutal robbery and attack left Midge and her husband with serious injuries. Finding Boca Grande, in 1998, was a blessing to the pair. They could experience the island life, yet live in safety.
Now an exhibiting member with the Boca Grande Art Alliance, her work is usually a sell out at the Alliance exhibits. Always searching for new methods, she presently is constructing "Dioramas", little rooms with sculptured figures or animals, set in shadow box frames. She hand cuts or carves the miniature wooden furniture or backdrops.
Midge, besides being our Artist of the Month, takes the prize for Most Valuable Member with her seven wonderful pieces of furniture, all with carved and painted decorations, for the Art Alliance Auction in 2003.
Here is a detailed photo of one of her dioramas.
