Beyond Boundaries: Saginaw Arts Commissioners Unveiled

Beyond Boundaries: Saginaw Arts Commissioners Unveiled,  mixed media artworks by five Saginaw Arts & Enrichment Commissioners is on display now through September 6 at the Andersen Enrichment Center, 120 Ezra Rust, across from Ojibway Island in Saginaw. Hours are from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.

An Artist Meet and Greet will take place Tuesday, August 13, 4 – 6:30 p.m. at Andersen Enrichment Center. Exhibition and reception are free and open to public.

This exhibition showcases the work of four talented commissioners: Ben Champagne, Robert (Bob) Gilmour, Thor Rasmussen, and Karly Schmidt, with a tribute to Leslie Tincknell, a long-time Saginaw Arts & Enrichment Commissioner.

These artists use photography and mixed media, either as their life's work or as a medium to express their creativity. From big and bold to small and funky, works on display reflect a moment of inspiration or soulful interpretation for each individual.

Benjamin Champagne is a multi-media artist who excels in various media, including music, poetry, short stories, collage, video art, and spray paint. His work challenges conventional norms while embracing the fluidity of our hyper-connected world. Benjamin's latest pieces showcase his innovative approach to art. He describes his artistic journey with the cryptic statement: "Hands. Birds."

Robert (Bob) Gilmour has been honing his painting skills since 2017. As a self-taught artist, he has studied various mediums and techniques through museum visits, books, online tutorials, and trial and error. Preferring acrylics for their flexibility, Bob creates realistic and expressionistic sunsets, seascapes, woman-themed works, and themed abstracts. His goal is to offer viewers a joyful and thought-provoking experience through his art.

Thor Rasmussen has always been drawn to various media but now focuses on photography, capturing visions of the natural world and human environments. His work highlights the often-overlooked beauty of the sky, revealing its ever-changing colors, textures, and forms. Rasmussen encourages viewers to appreciate the transient yet consistent nature of the sky, reminding us to simply look up and observe the wonders above us.

Karly Schmidt’s artistic journey spans graphic design, photography, printmaking, and performance art. She began her graphic design career in 2015, three years later returning to the Saginaw Career Complex as a Graphic Arts instructor. Karly received the All-Area Arts Award in 2023 for her contributions to Saginaw’s youth, their art education, and for fostering community engagement and creativity.

Leslie D. Tincknell was an award winning architect and an extremely active member of the Saginaw community, serving in leadership positions with Saginaw’s leading nonprofits and as a committed volunteer. Les’ design work is recognizable throughout Saginaw, the surrounding area and statewide. His philosophy to keep design simple is evident in his many high-profile projects. Les enjoyed painting with the Saginaw Area Watermedia Artists, coordinating art shows at Andersen Enrichment Center and First Congregational Church, bringing attention to the abundant creativity in our community. 

Art @ the Andersen is made possible with the support of the Maxwell K. Pribil Memorial Trust, Jury Foundation, Harvey Randall Wickes Foundation, and the Michigan Arts & Culture Council.  This project has been established by the Saginaw Arts & Enrichment Commission to give artists in the Great Lakes Bay Region an opportunity to exhibit and sell their work. For more information call the Saginaw Arts & Enrichment Commission at 989.759.1362.