Blue Star Motel
Name/Title
Blue Star MotelEntry/Object ID
2023.59.17Description
Watercolor painting of the now demolished Blue Star Motel Painting is unframed, matted with clear plastic protective layer. 1/31/2025 drawing framed at Framing for Friends.Type of Painting
On paperArtwork Details
Medium
Watercolor, InkContext
Sometimes the artist intentionally records history. The Blue Star Motel was constructed about 1936 shortly after the Blue Star Highway was built and designated US 31. About 1998, a new owner's plan to refurbish and reopen the motel was not approved and after the appeal process was exhausted demolition was scheduled. George Brown shouldered his sketchbook and paints and recorded this requiem portrait of the motel, shabby but stalwart, the day before the wreckers came. [text from 13 Moments in Time portfolio] The painting was acquired from the Kit and Art Lane estate. This motel once stood next to Saugatuck Dune Rides and across the highway from the current location of the Blue Star Gym at 6492 Blue Star Highway. The gym reused the motel's star-shaped sign.Collection
Artworks, 1930+ Tourism, lodging, hotels and B&Bs, Buildings: LostCataloged By
Winthers, SallyAcquisition
Accession
2023.59Source or Donor
Lakeshore Event Center/Tressa MillsAcquisition Method
PurchaseMade/Created
Artist
Brown, George Vincent III 1937-2018Date made
2000Dimensions
Dimension Description
including frameHeight
16 inWidth
20 inLocation
Art Conservation Room