Awards/ Competitions

The Judge for the Colors of Life Competion will be Anni Crouter. 

Born in Chicago, but growing up in Flint, Michigan, Anni Crouter started painting and drawing before she could read or write. Soon after relocating to Michigan in 1965, her natural artistic ability was quickly noticed by her mother and both grandmothers, who encouraged her to express herself. The life on a farm in rural Michigan with a father who was a veterinarian lent itself to many aspiring subjects to paint and draw such as horses, barn cats, dogs, birds and other wild or domesticated animals. Many of these subjects still remain amongst her favorite to paint.

Following school, she attended Mott Community College (Flint, MI) majoring in business with a minor in art. She mainly paints in oils and acrylic mediums with her big breakthrough occurring with her introduction into the world of watercolors. She credits her long term mentor, Jim Ames, for her knowledge in art theory and her continuously improving artistic abilities. Anni has won several awards for her magnificent paintings at Grand Rapid’s Art Prize.  Her work can be seen in national and international trade journals, art galleries, and homes of private collectors in several states.