About the Artists

Mary Lou Peters

From Mary Lou Peters:

When Chris Zimmel mentioned a fundraiser for the Friends of the Tawas Point Lighthouse and State Park, I felt a gentle nudge to help. I spent my growing up years in East Tawas, daughter of Carlton and Florence (Greene) Merschel, graduated from TAHS in 1963, then, like so many others, went away to college and lived away from my hometown for many years.

I now live in Mackinaw City, where lighthouses abound, reminding me of my favorite lighthouse at Tawas Point, which was active when I was a child. Its beacon was a part of my childhood memories. Years later I returned to the Tawas area in the summer and visited Tawas Point State Park; imagine my surprise to find out that a group of volunteers had made it possible for me to visit the inside of the lighthouse, which I had never been able to do. I was impressed with the Light, the Keeper’s house, and the outbuildings, and the volunteer hours that had been spent to help restore them. Now during every summer trip to the area, I simply must visit my favorite lighthouse again.

I saw this fundraiser as my chance to give something back to the community where I was raised, and this special place on the sandy hook where I spent time making memories as a youngster. My work as an artist now takes me to beautiful places that I paint; where could I possibly find a more wonderful subject than right here in my own hometown? I offer my paintings of the Tawas Point Lighthouse in summer and winter as a token of my affection for this lighthouse and the magnetic pull this place has on my heart.

Click here to access Mary Lou's website.

Renee Kaiser Bird

Coming soon

Julie Coronado

From Julie Coronado:

I am a native Michigander born and raised in Lapeer, Michigan. I now am living in Rochester Hills with my husband of 21 years, my daughter nearby, and my dog Ella. I am comfortably retired from a fulfilling career as a health and wellness coach.

I have been an artist from a young age. I learned to sew at age seven and began drawing and painting much earlier. My first artistic endeavor was drawing the family housecat, Nommie. I quickly moved onto projects that took me outside to explore the more natural elements of Michigan. It was obvious (at least to my parents) I had a gift and I have spent years learning and growing as an artist.

In 2010 I had an opportunity to move to California with my husband, where they lived in the suburbs of San Francisco for seven years. I returned in 2017 and was inspired again by Michigan’s beauty. Wanting to reacquaint myself with the mitten state, my husband and I planned a coastal lighthouse trip of The Great Lakes. I found the colors and locations of each lighthouse fascinating and knew I had to capture the beauty of all 129 Michigan lighthouses.

My favorite location so far has been the East Tawas lighthouse which I brought to life in pen and ink. Some of my other projects range from all mediums including wood burning and rock painting.

Click here to access Julie's website.

Tammy Scott

From Tammy Scott:

I grew up in Southgate Michigan but spent a lot of time in Tawas when I was young. My dad grew up there so we would come back to visit family quite often.

Once I retired I picked up the camera and focused on photography for the last seven years as a hobby. Over the years my photography has grown. I was honored when my photo of the Tawas lighthouse was chosen as the cover photo for Lighthouse Digest magazine . The lighthouse photo that you see here was used as the cover photo for their July/August 2019 cover.

I was equally honored When I was asked if I would like to participate in the annual Christmas card fundraiser for this year. What a great cause to help persevere the Lighthouse for generations to come.

Contact Tammy at tammyscottphotography1007@yahoo.com