November 6–December 18, 2026
Opening Reception: Sunday, November 8 at 1–4 pm
Color | Ink Studio & Gallery is pleased to present “Beyond the Brush: An Abstract Journey”, a solo exhibition by abstract artist Bern Merlo. Step into a world where color moves, emotion takes shape, and every painting invites a personal response. The exhibition opens on November 6 and runs through December 18.
Bern brings more than thirty years of artistic exploration to her work, creating vibrant paintings filled with energy, movement, and bold color. Rather than telling the viewer what to see, her paintings invite each person to discover something of their own—a feeling, a memory, a moment of reflection, or simply the joy of color. Her solo exhibition offers an opportunity to experience a collection of abstract works that are expressive, energetic, and deeply personal.
“As an abstract artist, I love the freedom to explore color, movement, texture, and design. Selecting and mixing colors is central to my creative process. Sometimes a painting develops exactly as I envisioned it; other times, it takes me in an entirely unexpected direction. That unpredictability is part of what makes painting so exciting.”
Bern has studied extensively at art institutions in Michigan and across the country and has exhibited her work throughout Michigan, including Detroit, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, Royal Oak, Ferndale, and Saugatuck. Her work has appeared at venues including The Scarab Club, the Alfred Berkowitz Gallery at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, ArtPrize, and numerous galleries and arts organizations.
The public is invited to attend the Opening Reception on Sunday afternoon, November 8 from 1-4 pm. It’s free, and visitors will have the opportunity to meet Bern in person and chat with her about the exhibition. Light refreshments will be available. There is free parking in the adjacent lot and on the side streets.