LANSING – State Representative Kate Ebli (D-Monroe) recently placed seven award-winning pieces of artwork from the Monroe Art League's 1812 River Raisin Battlefield and Bicentennial Art Contest on display in her Lansing office. The paintings, all done by local artists and on loan to Ebli from the art league, depict the Battle of the River Raisin during the War of 1812.
"I'm honored to display such wonderful artwork in my office," Ebli said. "When visitors enter my office, these seven pieces are far and away the most popular conversation starter. Not only is it a great way to share an important story from Monroe's history, but it also allows me to show off the talents of our local residents."
The goal of the Monroe Art League's contest was to develop new artwork related to the 1812 Battle of the River Raisin in Monroe and its upcoming bicentennial. The award-winning artwork in Ebli's office were created by local artists Catherine Rehbein, Frances A. Maedel, James Tidwell and Irene Kuehnlein.
The Battle of the River Raisin, also known as the Battle of Frenchtown, was the largest battle on Michigan soil and one of the largest in the War of 1812. A major defeat for American soldiers, the massacre of wounded soldiers that followed the battle became known as the "River Raisin Massacre" and inspired the rallying cry "Remember the River Raisin."
"These pieces are a great way to preserve the story of the Battle of the River Raisin, which helped shape the history of Michigan and our nation as a whole," said Ebli. "The fact that they came from local artists makes each piece that much more special. You can really see the hard work, dedication and passion that went into each painting. Each artist in the contest did a great job helping to make sure residents will 'Remember the River Raisin' for generations to come."