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Blue Star Motel

2023.59.17

On paper

WatercolorInk

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.

Artworks1930+ Tourism, lodging, hotels and B&BsBuildings: Lost

Winthers, Sally

Brown, George Vincent III 1937-2018

2000

including frame

16 in

20 in

AC flat file 3

Art Conservation Room

Blue Star Gym/Blue Star Motel (demolished)

2023 auction description: 2000 Watercolor by G. Brown. Signed. Approx. 16"x20" OA; 11 1/2"x15" SS. Part of a Saugatuck/Douglas Art Collection.

12/21/2023

09/17/2024