My 5 Favorite Places in Michigan: Michael Ingle – Freelance Designer and Artprize 2015 Artist

This week, I had the pleasure of interviewing one of the 2015 ArtPrize artists. Michael Ingle is a freelance artist who graduated from Kendall College of Art & Design back in 1981. After 10 years of working for a design studio, Ingle set off on his own. The rest is history, as Ingle has been a freelance designer for 24 years. Ingle does artwork, advertising, graphic design, logos, web design, and marketing. For the first time ever, Ingle submitted a piece for Artprize this year.

 

Ingle’s “Sophia,” a two-dimensional watercolor, can be seen at the JW Marriott hotel in downtown Grand Rapids during Artprize 2015 (September 23 through October 11). The JW Marriott is hosting 17 art pieces and was recently one of 10 venues we suggested you check out if you visit the annual event this year. The “Sophia” picture has not been sold yet. Ingle needs your help with the public vote this year. Use CODE 61926 to submit a vote for “Sophia”.

If you need help with graphic design or logos, I would highly recommend Mr. Ingle. His work has been used by many of the top outdoor companies and even Kellogg’s. If you’re looking for artwork to hang in your house or cottage, consider some of these currently featured on Ingle’s website:

Today, we share the five places in Michigan that are Ingle’s favorites. This list includes several family vacation destinations. Here is his list:

Silver Beach Pizza, St. Joseph

The pizza at this great restaurant is outstanding, but the atmosphere is what attracts me the most.  The staff is energetic and fun and you can tell the customers are there to have a great time.  However, the real icing on the cake is the beautiful view of Silver Beach and Lake Michigan right out the window!

Binder Park Zoo, Battle Creek

Since I was a little boy I have loved visiting the zoo.  Binder Park Zoo is certainly my favorite.  From the unique layout which makes you feel you are right with the animals as you walk along the boardwalk, to the petting zoo and of course the African Plains where you can actually feed the giraffes.  The zoo is tucked away in a beautiful wooded area and special events like the Zoo Boo make it a great choice year round.

North Manitou Island

I have been hunting and fishing on North Manitou Island for twenty-four years.  When you arrive at the island by ferry and start your journey inland, it only take a few minutes to feel like you are in the deep woods of Canada. In the spring, the trillium covers the forest floor like a coat of paint.  The serenity and beauty of this small, rustic island is what brings me back year after year. That and the beautiful bronzed-back small mouth bass in Lake Manitou!

 

South Haven

South Haven has been my family’s vacation destination for many years. Every year we stay in this little beach town for a week and enjoy the beach and clear blue water of Lake Michigan.  The many games of smash ball, spike ball, with my kids make me tired but happy.  The shopping and dining in town are great but the real treat in South Haven is the gorgeous sunsets over Lake Michigan.  Over the years, I have created many paintings from photos from this beautiful town.

Pere Marquette River

A friend of mine owns a cabin on this beautiful river near Walhalla.  It is Michigan at its’ best.  Many years of annual hunting trips and frequent salmon and steelhead fishing days allows me to experience this river at all times of the year.  Each season brings it own color and experience.

 

Again a big thanks to Michael Ingle for sharing his five favorite places in Michigan with us. You can visit Illustration Design by Ingle here. Be sure to visit the JW Marriott to check out his painting during ArtPrize 2015. Also please consider voting for his piece by using CODE 61926 during the competition.

If you enjoyed this piece, please check out our other My 5 Favorite Places pieces.