Since 1984, Buckham Fine Arts Project has opened its doors to those seeking the power of art to experience beauty, better understand ourselves and others, and be inspired to reach new heights. Today, Buckham is still committed to supporting and nurturing artists, building community and inclusivity, while challenging us to engage with art in new ways.
2023 Exhibition Programming
Buckham Gallery presented ten visual art exhibitions featuring work by local, regional, and national artists who make significant statements in their chosen discipline and provide relevant arts programming. 2023’s exhibitions featured four large group shows, one small group, and 20 concurrent and carefully paired solo artist presentations. This included 576 artworks by 147 visual artists, stipends to artists, 15 artist talks.
January 13 - February 11, 2023
Guen Montgomery’s installation, Crawl Space, explores the trait of ‘trouble discarding rarely used possessions.’ Montgomery makes prints because it centers on touch. Both the actual, literal, pressured touch of fur or fabric matrix to paper, and the sense of longing to touch that comes from the printed illusion of fur or fabric.
Whitney Sage’s exhibition, Portraits of Home, presents the neighborhoods of Detroit and Highland Park with nostalgia through the language of meticulously rendered monochromatic ink drawings on watercolor paper and aquaboard panels.
Stephanie Serpick’s oil paintings in Interior Visions explores themes of isolation, grief, especially as it was magnified during the pandemic.
Guen Montgomery’s installation, Crawl Space, explores the trait of ‘trouble discarding rarely used possessions.’ Montgomery makes prints because it centers on touch. Both the actual, literal, pressured touch of fur or fabric matrix to paper, and the sense of longing to touch that comes from the printed illusion of fur or fabric.
Whitney Sage’s exhibition, Portraits of Home, presents the neighborhoods of Detroit and Highland Park with nostalgia through the language of meticulously rendered monochromatic ink drawings on watercolor paper and aquaboard panels.
Stephanie Serpick’s oil paintings in Interior Visions explores themes of isolation, grief, especially as it was magnified during the pandemic.
February 18 - March 18, 2023
Jeanne Ciravolo’s Tokens and Traces seeks to amplify the narrative of female protagonists by using practices normally associated with women's domestic labor. Ciravolo uses these collages of painted paper fragments, paper towels and other found pieces to paint, print and layer, creating texture within her forms and a sense of repair and re-envision, both traditionally female practices.
Kimberly LaVonne’s exhibition Between Here and There explores efforts to maintain and strengthen her connection with her Panamanian heritage. The pieces are inspired by forms found in Pre-Columbian Coclé pottery, however she uses the outside of these pieces as the canvas with which to showcase her images. LaVonne uses the many images in her pieces to invoke the sights, sounds and feelings of being in Cuidad del Saber, in hopes that it will create a dialogue between herself and her ancestral home.
Danielle Mužina’s exhibit A RECKONING IN PINK questions gender performance in relation to gender roles within our contemporary society. Mužina uses patterns and layered colors to create these imagined landscapes that connect to the very real anxieties and pressures Mužina and many people experience everyday.
Jeanne Ciravolo’s Tokens and Traces seeks to amplify the narrative of female protagonists by using practices normally associated with women's domestic labor. Ciravolo uses these collages of painted paper fragments, paper towels and other found pieces to paint, print and layer, creating texture within her forms and a sense of repair and re-envision, both traditionally female practices.
Kimberly LaVonne’s exhibition Between Here and There explores efforts to maintain and strengthen her connection with her Panamanian heritage. The pieces are inspired by forms found in Pre-Columbian Coclé pottery, however she uses the outside of these pieces as the canvas with which to showcase her images. LaVonne uses the many images in her pieces to invoke the sights, sounds and feelings of being in Cuidad del Saber, in hopes that it will create a dialogue between herself and her ancestral home.
Danielle Mužina’s exhibit A RECKONING IN PINK questions gender performance in relation to gender roles within our contemporary society. Mužina uses patterns and layered colors to create these imagined landscapes that connect to the very real anxieties and pressures Mužina and many people experience everyday.
March 24 - 25, 2023
Build Your Own Collection (B.Y.O.C.)- Buckham hosted an exhibition of 199 works of art by 67 artists. At the event, 150 attendees received refreshments, live music, and an opportunity to purchase artworks in support of Buckham and the artists. All sales were split 50/50, and Artists were happy to sell their work. This event was not only a great deal of fun and profitable, it gained exposure for Buckham’s programming to new audiences.
Build Your Own Collection (B.Y.O.C.)- Buckham hosted an exhibition of 199 works of art by 67 artists. At the event, 150 attendees received refreshments, live music, and an opportunity to purchase artworks in support of Buckham and the artists. All sales were split 50/50, and Artists were happy to sell their work. This event was not only a great deal of fun and profitable, it gained exposure for Buckham’s programming to new audiences.
April 7 - May 17, 2023
Sam Morello Selected Works As Buckham neared its 40th year as a nonprofit arts organization, we honored one of our founders, Sam Morello, with an exhibition of selected works from his career as an esteemed printmaker and artist.
Small Works - National Juried Exhibition- Often, large artworks dominate and attract the attention of the art world because of their instant impact. However, smaller artworks are powerful in a more quiet way; they draw viewers in for a close, intimate experience and prove that something small can make a big impression.
Teeth & Hair, a national juried exhibition of visual art featuring, using, or about teeth or hair and their enduring cultural significance. Lore and symbolism surrounding teeth & hair permeates every culture– Subjectively, teeth and hair can be perceived as beautiful, grotesque, or abject.
Sam Morello Selected Works As Buckham neared its 40th year as a nonprofit arts organization, we honored one of our founders, Sam Morello, with an exhibition of selected works from his career as an esteemed printmaker and artist.
Small Works - National Juried Exhibition- Often, large artworks dominate and attract the attention of the art world because of their instant impact. However, smaller artworks are powerful in a more quiet way; they draw viewers in for a close, intimate experience and prove that something small can make a big impression.
Teeth & Hair, a national juried exhibition of visual art featuring, using, or about teeth or hair and their enduring cultural significance. Lore and symbolism surrounding teeth & hair permeates every culture– Subjectively, teeth and hair can be perceived as beautiful, grotesque, or abject.
May 26 - July 1, 2023
Aisha Changezi, Oasis of Symmetry, of particular interest are Islamic geometric patterns and feeling lost in the symmetry, the earthy color palettes, and the ebb and flow of angular and biomorphic shapes all coming together in perfect harmony.
Adrian Hatfield, Late Stage Block Party, makes work examining the visual language strategies of science, pop culture and fine art history in conveying unfathomably huge subject matter. The paintings convey those experiences in tension: dread, splendor, joy, terror, wonder and the absurdity of human inaction.
Ryan Lewis’s Everted Sanctuaries is a series of stop-motion animated videos exploring the topic of introversion. An animator, artist, and design educator based in Kalamazoo, Lewis transforms found objects to reveal complexities that often go unnoticed below the surface. Everted Sanctuaries communicate about the complex needs of introverts.
Aisha Changezi, Oasis of Symmetry, of particular interest are Islamic geometric patterns and feeling lost in the symmetry, the earthy color palettes, and the ebb and flow of angular and biomorphic shapes all coming together in perfect harmony.
Adrian Hatfield, Late Stage Block Party, makes work examining the visual language strategies of science, pop culture and fine art history in conveying unfathomably huge subject matter. The paintings convey those experiences in tension: dread, splendor, joy, terror, wonder and the absurdity of human inaction.
Ryan Lewis’s Everted Sanctuaries is a series of stop-motion animated videos exploring the topic of introversion. An animator, artist, and design educator based in Kalamazoo, Lewis transforms found objects to reveal complexities that often go unnoticed below the surface. Everted Sanctuaries communicate about the complex needs of introverts.
July 14 - August 12, 2023
Photographer Robert Beras, In A Dream,combines and mixes images of cars, animals, and urban landscapes through digital manipulation and retouch. Thus creating a new place that is eerily familiar, like a dream.
Maria Lux, Nature is Healing, is a research-driven artist who centers her work on animals and their relationship to human knowledge. Lux works across disciplines, building projects from specific topics investigating animals in correlation to the larger scientific, ecological, and cultural systems that they are a part of. Her newest installation, Nature is Healing, addresses the earth’s hypothetical recovery from nuclear disaster.
Andrew Rieder’s Vocation as Vacation explores the concept of work ethic and the various ways in which it is quantified. His mixed-media paintings utilize imagery from activities that can be considered "leisurely labor" (fitness and strongman competitions as well as pick-your-own fruit). These images question whether or not an activity needs to seem undesirable to a participant in order to qualify as "work".
Photographer Robert Beras, In A Dream,combines and mixes images of cars, animals, and urban landscapes through digital manipulation and retouch. Thus creating a new place that is eerily familiar, like a dream.
Maria Lux, Nature is Healing, is a research-driven artist who centers her work on animals and their relationship to human knowledge. Lux works across disciplines, building projects from specific topics investigating animals in correlation to the larger scientific, ecological, and cultural systems that they are a part of. Her newest installation, Nature is Healing, addresses the earth’s hypothetical recovery from nuclear disaster.
Andrew Rieder’s Vocation as Vacation explores the concept of work ethic and the various ways in which it is quantified. His mixed-media paintings utilize imagery from activities that can be considered "leisurely labor" (fitness and strongman competitions as well as pick-your-own fruit). These images question whether or not an activity needs to seem undesirable to a participant in order to qualify as "work".
August 23 - September 30, 2023
Denise Burge’s Sunstroke addresses how our ideas about certain places represent a sort of cultural fantasy, a romantic collage of impressions and desires which ossify into a psychological 'space' that in fact is no place at all. She works in the fabric medium because of the theatrical nature of the painted quilt. The work often looks like it was painted—but much of it is pieced and embroidered.
Shanna Merola’s images in We All Live Downwind are culled from daily headlines – inspired by global and grassroots struggles against the forces of privatization in the face of disaster capitalism. The scenes have been carved out of dystopian landscapes in the aftermath of these events. Merola is a visual artist, and her sculptural photo-collages are informed by the stories of environmental justice struggles past and present.
Emily Orzech’s Bedside was catalyzed by her late partner’s illness and is interested in the liminal spaces we inhabit in the process of illness and caregiving. Using a process of layering upwards of thirty coats of screenprint on panel, sometimes adding graphite between the printed layers, Orzech selectively sands away the print, revealing the layers below. In this way she works using both additive and subtractive methods.
Denise Burge’s Sunstroke addresses how our ideas about certain places represent a sort of cultural fantasy, a romantic collage of impressions and desires which ossify into a psychological 'space' that in fact is no place at all. She works in the fabric medium because of the theatrical nature of the painted quilt. The work often looks like it was painted—but much of it is pieced and embroidered.
Shanna Merola’s images in We All Live Downwind are culled from daily headlines – inspired by global and grassroots struggles against the forces of privatization in the face of disaster capitalism. The scenes have been carved out of dystopian landscapes in the aftermath of these events. Merola is a visual artist, and her sculptural photo-collages are informed by the stories of environmental justice struggles past and present.
Emily Orzech’s Bedside was catalyzed by her late partner’s illness and is interested in the liminal spaces we inhabit in the process of illness and caregiving. Using a process of layering upwards of thirty coats of screenprint on panel, sometimes adding graphite between the printed layers, Orzech selectively sands away the print, revealing the layers below. In this way she works using both additive and subtractive methods.
October 6 - November 4
Buckham Fine Arts Project to launch 40th Anniversary Season: 2023 - 2024 with three exhibitions: Tom Nuzum, Tai Lipan, and Kiara Machado. Entering the gallery today, viewers will move through the past experiencing co-founder Tom Nuzum’s iconic acrylic paintings, then into the present experiencing Tai Lipan’s layered mixed media works which explore the enormity of time and Kiara Machado’s Llamáme Por Mi Nombre includes large-scale figurative paintings expressing the bold beauty of Central American culture.
Buckham Fine Arts Project to launch 40th Anniversary Season: 2023 - 2024 with three exhibitions: Tom Nuzum, Tai Lipan, and Kiara Machado. Entering the gallery today, viewers will move through the past experiencing co-founder Tom Nuzum’s iconic acrylic paintings, then into the present experiencing Tai Lipan’s layered mixed media works which explore the enormity of time and Kiara Machado’s Llamáme Por Mi Nombre includes large-scale figurative paintings expressing the bold beauty of Central American culture.
November 10 - December 2
Teresa Dunn is a Mexican-American artist raised in rural Illinois. Her identity, life, and art are influenced by her racial and cultural heritages and the complexities of being a brown woman in the Midwest. Her paintings, US ,bring voice to stories that people of color and immigrants want to share about themselves through visually poetic realities.
The annual group show is a tradition for the Buckham Arts Collective. This year, New Work, features works of various media by Artist Collaborators of the Buckham Fine Arts Project.
Teresa Dunn is a Mexican-American artist raised in rural Illinois. Her identity, life, and art are influenced by her racial and cultural heritages and the complexities of being a brown woman in the Midwest. Her paintings, US ,bring voice to stories that people of color and immigrants want to share about themselves through visually poetic realities.
The annual group show is a tradition for the Buckham Arts Collective. This year, New Work, features works of various media by Artist Collaborators of the Buckham Fine Arts Project.
December 8 - January 13
Contemporary Realism is the work of Todd Burroughs, Frits Hoendervanger, Armin Mersmann, and Robert Schefman who are working in our time and strive to understand both the potential of Realism and its pitfalls. Their hope is that the viewer takes a good look at this work, for there is more to it than just good painting.
In addition to the in-person opportunities to experience creative expression, Buckham presented all of its exhibitions online through viewing rooms hosted on the website, extending accessibility to exhibitions. BFAP recorded 11 zoom artist conversations hosted on YouTube and continues to receive views, extending accessibility and building new audiences.
Contemporary Realism is the work of Todd Burroughs, Frits Hoendervanger, Armin Mersmann, and Robert Schefman who are working in our time and strive to understand both the potential of Realism and its pitfalls. Their hope is that the viewer takes a good look at this work, for there is more to it than just good painting.
In addition to the in-person opportunities to experience creative expression, Buckham presented all of its exhibitions online through viewing rooms hosted on the website, extending accessibility to exhibitions. BFAP recorded 11 zoom artist conversations hosted on YouTube and continues to receive views, extending accessibility and building new audiences.
Events and Other BFAP Programming
Buckham hosted in person events including Flint’s ARTWALK, readings, live music performances at receptions, Artist Talks, and other programming in a multifaceted outreach effort:
The Cider & Slides event provided an opportunity for further community engagement with creative practices through this lecture event, presenters included Steven Banks and Xzavier Simon.
Say Your Piece, a literary event hosted by Kirsten Kaufmann was a live cathartic and healing show where people read what was left unsaid and open mic following the guest performers. Featured performers included: Melodie Bolt, Sarah Carson, AshleyCae Lee, Kirei, Roy Richard, Quion Wheeler.
The Paramanu Pentaquark, an online publication of the Gothic Funk Press, published its seventh issue on October 28, 2023. The release event was held at Buckham Gallery with Flint author Connor Coyne and artists featured in the publication sharing their work with the live audience.
40th Anniversary Launch Party
Buckham Fine Arts Project to launch 40th Anniversary Season on October 12 with live music by local musicians Shane and Cam. This celebration welcomed Buckham friends new and old to share their stories from the last 40 years.
6th Annual Smallidge Lecture
Mexican-American painter Teresa Dunn discussed the narrative of authentic experiences of marginalized lives, especially Black and Brown ones, in her paintings in the 6th Annual Smallidge Lecture. The video represents highlights from this lecture.
On Screen works with regional artists and area community-based nonprofit organizations to create an original work of art. Nine limited edition prints were completed with artists receiving honorariums for their work. In 2023, BFAP continued to fundraise through sale of the prints, sharing proceeds with the featured organizations, now totaling $3,024.
Writer In Residence (WIR) provides opportunities for direct engagement with creative expression, intentionally reaching out to BIPOC literary artists in Genesee County. The WIR produces literary works responding to each visual exhibition which is compiled with images into a book at the residency’s completion. While ensuring representation within its programming, Buckham supports literary artists, the creation of new art, and builds meaningful relationships with and diversity in its audience. In 2023 Buckham released its 2nd printed publication and grew the residency into a more robust program for its 3rd cycle with Bob Campbell, who produced 24 compositions, received an honorarium, and concluded “the yearlong WIR experience was delightfully uncomfortable from the very beginning.”
BFAP at Karmanos features 36 art works by Flint artists in waiting rooms, dressing rooms, and examination rooms at Karmanos’ Proton Wing, providing comfort and inspiration to patients and staff. This specifically reaches audiences who may not have stepped into a museum or gallery before, increasing accessibility.
The Emerging Artist Fellowship collaboration with the University of Michigan - Flint provides a nourishing space for artists to grow and acquire essential professional development opportunities to succeed as they enter the art world. The 2023 cycle mentored Flint raper Steven Banks, providing space, critiques, and culminated with a staged reading of his script, with actors, in December.
Internships BFAP worked with three interns in 2023, two of whom were students from University of Michigan - Flint, received college credit. Interns worked with gallery staff and visiting artists, as well as learning the call for entry process. Its success is measured by the professional development opportunities we have provided, responses from the interns, and college credits awarded by UM-F. Internships benefit students, giving exposure to gallery programming, research, art handling and installation, and hands-on experience with small nonprofit organization operations.
The Cider & Slides event provided an opportunity for further community engagement with creative practices through this lecture event, presenters included Steven Banks and Xzavier Simon.
Say Your Piece, a literary event hosted by Kirsten Kaufmann was a live cathartic and healing show where people read what was left unsaid and open mic following the guest performers. Featured performers included: Melodie Bolt, Sarah Carson, AshleyCae Lee, Kirei, Roy Richard, Quion Wheeler.
The Paramanu Pentaquark, an online publication of the Gothic Funk Press, published its seventh issue on October 28, 2023. The release event was held at Buckham Gallery with Flint author Connor Coyne and artists featured in the publication sharing their work with the live audience.
40th Anniversary Launch Party
Buckham Fine Arts Project to launch 40th Anniversary Season on October 12 with live music by local musicians Shane and Cam. This celebration welcomed Buckham friends new and old to share their stories from the last 40 years.
6th Annual Smallidge Lecture
Mexican-American painter Teresa Dunn discussed the narrative of authentic experiences of marginalized lives, especially Black and Brown ones, in her paintings in the 6th Annual Smallidge Lecture. The video represents highlights from this lecture.
On Screen works with regional artists and area community-based nonprofit organizations to create an original work of art. Nine limited edition prints were completed with artists receiving honorariums for their work. In 2023, BFAP continued to fundraise through sale of the prints, sharing proceeds with the featured organizations, now totaling $3,024.
Writer In Residence (WIR) provides opportunities for direct engagement with creative expression, intentionally reaching out to BIPOC literary artists in Genesee County. The WIR produces literary works responding to each visual exhibition which is compiled with images into a book at the residency’s completion. While ensuring representation within its programming, Buckham supports literary artists, the creation of new art, and builds meaningful relationships with and diversity in its audience. In 2023 Buckham released its 2nd printed publication and grew the residency into a more robust program for its 3rd cycle with Bob Campbell, who produced 24 compositions, received an honorarium, and concluded “the yearlong WIR experience was delightfully uncomfortable from the very beginning.”
BFAP at Karmanos features 36 art works by Flint artists in waiting rooms, dressing rooms, and examination rooms at Karmanos’ Proton Wing, providing comfort and inspiration to patients and staff. This specifically reaches audiences who may not have stepped into a museum or gallery before, increasing accessibility.
The Emerging Artist Fellowship collaboration with the University of Michigan - Flint provides a nourishing space for artists to grow and acquire essential professional development opportunities to succeed as they enter the art world. The 2023 cycle mentored Flint raper Steven Banks, providing space, critiques, and culminated with a staged reading of his script, with actors, in December.
Internships BFAP worked with three interns in 2023, two of whom were students from University of Michigan - Flint, received college credit. Interns worked with gallery staff and visiting artists, as well as learning the call for entry process. Its success is measured by the professional development opportunities we have provided, responses from the interns, and college credits awarded by UM-F. Internships benefit students, giving exposure to gallery programming, research, art handling and installation, and hands-on experience with small nonprofit organization operations.
2023 Buckham Gallery Numbers
4,660 Total visitors to physical gallery
2,741 Flint’s Second Friday Art Walk visitors
1,143 Daily Gallery visitors
717 Other event visitors
576 Total number of exhibited visual artworks
147 Number of exhibiting visual artists
21 Literary/Artist Performers
15 Music Performers
11 “In Conversation” artists & videos
4 In-Person Artist Talks
2,741 Flint’s Second Friday Art Walk visitors
1,143 Daily Gallery visitors
717 Other event visitors
576 Total number of exhibited visual artworks
147 Number of exhibiting visual artists
21 Literary/Artist Performers
15 Music Performers
11 “In Conversation” artists & videos
4 In-Person Artist Talks
2023 BFAP Outreach Programming Numbers
36 Artworks at Karmanos Proton Wing
3 Student Internships
2 Writer In Residence artists
1 Flint Emerging Artist Fellowship
3 Student Internships
2 Writer In Residence artists
1 Flint Emerging Artist Fellowship
2023 Support to Artists and Organizations
Art Sales Income paid to Artists $9,700
Shipping Stipends for Artists $3,650
Writer In Residence honorariums $2,900
On Screen donation to nonprofit organizations $1,140
Season Grand Prize Awarded to Artist $1,000
Honorariums to Performers $ 725
Other Artist Support $ 300
Shipping Stipends for Artists $3,650
Writer In Residence honorariums $2,900
On Screen donation to nonprofit organizations $1,140
Season Grand Prize Awarded to Artist $1,000
Honorariums to Performers $ 725
Other Artist Support $ 300
Gallery Visitor Demographics:
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Gender:
59.3% Female 38.9% Male 1.9% Non Binary 
Age:
6.4% Under 18 19.6% 20-29 24.9% 30-39 15.5% 40-49 14.1% 50-59 13.2% 60-69 6.1% 70+ |
Race:
60.0% White 29.5% Black 3.8% Indigenous 2.9% Latinx 2.9% Asian 1.0% Other 
Zip Code:
Flint: 46.4% Genesee County: 30.0% Michigan: 17.6% Non-Michigan: 6.0% |
Buckham Arts Collective
Buckham Arts Collective is a group of practicing arts and advocates who lead and sustain the organization to further the goals of Buckham Fine Arts Project as defined by the organization’s mission statement and bylaws. Members of the collective direct the artistic programs of the gallery, serve in an advisory capacity, and assist with gallery operations. The Collective is composed of Artist Collaborators (visual and literary artists) and Buckham Sustainers.
Artist Collaborators is a group of practicing artists who collaborate to further the goals of Buckham Fine Arts Project as stated above. Collaborators perform functions pursuant to the operation of Buckham Fine Arts Project and engage in a dialogue with artists and ideas locally and from outside of the Flint area through exhibition, curation, and robust participation in lectures, panel discussions, artist receptions, etc. Collaborators serve on committees, help staff events, and have voting privileges.
After creating the Writer Residency to unite BFAP’s programming and literary arts, leadership saw a need to invite writers to join the Collective as Artist Collaborators. This move better supports and grows BFAP’s non-visual art programming.
Guy Adamec
Melodie Bolt
Bob Campbell
Aisha Changezi
Connor Coyne
Nic Custer, Board Chair
John Dempsey
Amanda Edwards
Donovan Entrekin, Board Secretary (until 6/2023)
Gary Gebhardt
Craig Hinshaw
Robert Huebel
Cliff Hughes
Daniel Kienitz
Michele Leclaire, Executive Director
Emily Leglietner
Janice McCoy, Board Vice Chair
Michael Melet
Karen Milito
Ken Milito
Sam Morello
Matthew Osmon, Board Member
Nancy Pennell
Roy Richard, Board Finance Officer (6/2023)
Xzavier V. Simon
Brian Spolans
Sifus J. Thompson
Jenifer Fernandes Veloso
Chris Waters, Board Member
Linda Lou Woodruff
Jan Worth
Buckham Sustainers are those artists or professionals who clearly demonstrate a capacity and willingness to further the mission of Buckham Fine Arts Project and contribute their time and talents to assist concretely in expediting the artistic programing of BFAP, but who may not consistently produce artwork and cannot therefore commit to actively engaging as practicing artist. Buckham Sustainers serve on committees, help staff events, and have voting privileges.
Carly Aldridge, Board Member
Brandon Dotson, Board Member
Babak Elahi, Board Member
Alexander Glenn, Board Member
Taylor Glenn, Board Secretary (8/2023)
Kirsten Kaufmann
Mike Parker, Board Finance Officer (until 6/2023)
Andrea Priehs
Phillip Walker II, Board Member
Artist Collaborators is a group of practicing artists who collaborate to further the goals of Buckham Fine Arts Project as stated above. Collaborators perform functions pursuant to the operation of Buckham Fine Arts Project and engage in a dialogue with artists and ideas locally and from outside of the Flint area through exhibition, curation, and robust participation in lectures, panel discussions, artist receptions, etc. Collaborators serve on committees, help staff events, and have voting privileges.
After creating the Writer Residency to unite BFAP’s programming and literary arts, leadership saw a need to invite writers to join the Collective as Artist Collaborators. This move better supports and grows BFAP’s non-visual art programming.
Guy Adamec
Melodie Bolt
Bob Campbell
Aisha Changezi
Connor Coyne
Nic Custer, Board Chair
John Dempsey
Amanda Edwards
Donovan Entrekin, Board Secretary (until 6/2023)
Gary Gebhardt
Craig Hinshaw
Robert Huebel
Cliff Hughes
Daniel Kienitz
Michele Leclaire, Executive Director
Emily Leglietner
Janice McCoy, Board Vice Chair
Michael Melet
Karen Milito
Ken Milito
Sam Morello
Matthew Osmon, Board Member
Nancy Pennell
Roy Richard, Board Finance Officer (6/2023)
Xzavier V. Simon
Brian Spolans
Sifus J. Thompson
Jenifer Fernandes Veloso
Chris Waters, Board Member
Linda Lou Woodruff
Jan Worth
Buckham Sustainers are those artists or professionals who clearly demonstrate a capacity and willingness to further the mission of Buckham Fine Arts Project and contribute their time and talents to assist concretely in expediting the artistic programing of BFAP, but who may not consistently produce artwork and cannot therefore commit to actively engaging as practicing artist. Buckham Sustainers serve on committees, help staff events, and have voting privileges.
Carly Aldridge, Board Member
Brandon Dotson, Board Member
Babak Elahi, Board Member
Alexander Glenn, Board Member
Taylor Glenn, Board Secretary (8/2023)
Kirsten Kaufmann
Mike Parker, Board Finance Officer (until 6/2023)
Andrea Priehs
Phillip Walker II, Board Member
Buckham Fine Arts Project Community Membership
Community Memberships support and sustain Buckham’s mission to provide opportunities for our community to better understand and appreciate experimental and ambitious contemporary art. Members gain access to exclusive member-only events including special receptions and lectures, as well as discounts on BFAP produced publications.
Buckham Friends:
Janet Camron
Alayna Cottrill
Caitlin Cottrill
Nate & Amy Cottrill
Jane Bingham
Eric Chapman & Family
Edwin Custer
Casey DeMoss
Robert & Kathleen Downs
Nalani Duarte
Kathleen Gazall
Lawrence Hamilton
Frankie Hardy
Patrick Hayes & Family
Kay & Michael Kelly
Nathan Kranzo
Gwyn McKay
Tom Myers
Osmon Family
Patti Perkins
Ken Randall
Kirstie Richard
Becky Sanders
Kendall Sanders
Chris Schollar
Mark Thornton
Ed Watkins
Jan Worth-Nelson
Associates:
Jennifer Acree & Family
Marsha Bewersdorf
Boisali Biswas
Richard Bodette
Nancy Dash
Robert Fields
Mara Fulmer & Family
Cornell Hamilton
Lynne Hurand & Family
Heather Laube & Family
Janet Lorch
Kay & Michael Melet
Janelle Nuzum
Lynn Penning & Family
Paul Rozycki
Xavier V. Simon
Christine Thomas
Mark Thorton
Marilyn Willingham
Buckham Inner Circle:
Fred Danziger
Babak Elahi
Donovan Entrekin
Thomas Hutchison
Sally & Rick Kagerer
Carole Masse
Sam & Carole Morello
Danielle & Kurt Neiswender
Karl Olmsted
Patt Parker
Lynn Penning
Proniewski Family
Sam Selou
Lynne Smith
Buckham Patrons:
Jim & Andrea Ananich
Mark Bradley
Babak Elahi
Gary & Terry Gebhardt
Tracee & Jonathan Glab
Charles Parker
Michael Parker
Ridgway White
Buckham Friends:
Janet Camron
Alayna Cottrill
Caitlin Cottrill
Nate & Amy Cottrill
Jane Bingham
Eric Chapman & Family
Edwin Custer
Casey DeMoss
Robert & Kathleen Downs
Nalani Duarte
Kathleen Gazall
Lawrence Hamilton
Frankie Hardy
Patrick Hayes & Family
Kay & Michael Kelly
Nathan Kranzo
Gwyn McKay
Tom Myers
Osmon Family
Patti Perkins
Ken Randall
Kirstie Richard
Becky Sanders
Kendall Sanders
Chris Schollar
Mark Thornton
Ed Watkins
Jan Worth-Nelson
Associates:
Jennifer Acree & Family
Marsha Bewersdorf
Boisali Biswas
Richard Bodette
Nancy Dash
Robert Fields
Mara Fulmer & Family
Cornell Hamilton
Lynne Hurand & Family
Heather Laube & Family
Janet Lorch
Kay & Michael Melet
Janelle Nuzum
Lynn Penning & Family
Paul Rozycki
Xavier V. Simon
Christine Thomas
Mark Thorton
Marilyn Willingham
Buckham Inner Circle:
Fred Danziger
Babak Elahi
Donovan Entrekin
Thomas Hutchison
Sally & Rick Kagerer
Carole Masse
Sam & Carole Morello
Danielle & Kurt Neiswender
Karl Olmsted
Patt Parker
Lynn Penning
Proniewski Family
Sam Selou
Lynne Smith
Buckham Patrons:
Jim & Andrea Ananich
Mark Bradley
Babak Elahi
Gary & Terry Gebhardt
Tracee & Jonathan Glab
Charles Parker
Michael Parker
Ridgway White
Funding
Buckham Gallery is funded in part through grants awarded by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, the Michigan Arts and Culture Council, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the GFAC Share Art Genesee Grant Program. In 2023 Buckham also received MI Nonprofit Relief Funds. Buckham solicits sponsors for major exhibitions and publications, and individual donors support the gallery through their annual appeal, community memberships and general donations. In past years the biggest bulk of general donations were Art Walk and Open Mic contributions. Since 2021, most of our general donations have been made by walk-in gallery visitors and programmatic support donations. In 2023 BFAP earned approximately 46% of its operational budget through non-grants funds such as call-for-entry fees, art sales, annual fund appeals and Board donations (100% participation), fundraisers, sponsorships, memberships, rentals, and donations.
Funding
Charles Stewart Mott Foundation $30,000
GFAC Genesee County Share Art Grant Program $30,000
Michigan Arts and Culture Council / National Endowment for the Arts (2023 only) $ 2,437*
MI Nonprofit Relief Funds $10,000
Art Sales (Net ~$6,000 after artist commissions and On Screen donations) $16,636
Call For Entry Fees $ 9,170
Annual, Board, Special Appeal Campaigns $11,728
Fundraising (Cool City Art Auction, Raffle Fundraiser, publications and t-shirt sales) $ 7,360
Member Dues $ 6,754
Donations (Gallery visitors, Art Walk, Artist receptions, Open Mic, and Amazon Smile) $ 4,017
Sponsorships $ 3,931
Event Rental Income $ 1,676
*Michigan Arts and Culture Council / National Endowment for the Arts awarded BFAP Operational Support grants: $13,750 in FY24 and $16,750 in FY23, with the majority of funds distributed in 2022 and 2024.
Funding
Charles Stewart Mott Foundation $30,000
GFAC Genesee County Share Art Grant Program $30,000
Michigan Arts and Culture Council / National Endowment for the Arts (2023 only) $ 2,437*
MI Nonprofit Relief Funds $10,000
Art Sales (Net ~$6,000 after artist commissions and On Screen donations) $16,636
Call For Entry Fees $ 9,170
Annual, Board, Special Appeal Campaigns $11,728
Fundraising (Cool City Art Auction, Raffle Fundraiser, publications and t-shirt sales) $ 7,360
Member Dues $ 6,754
Donations (Gallery visitors, Art Walk, Artist receptions, Open Mic, and Amazon Smile) $ 4,017
Sponsorships $ 3,931
Event Rental Income $ 1,676
*Michigan Arts and Culture Council / National Endowment for the Arts awarded BFAP Operational Support grants: $13,750 in FY24 and $16,750 in FY23, with the majority of funds distributed in 2022 and 2024.
Challenges -
2023 brought two large challenges: Building the BOD and Fundraising Events. The first is one that many small nonprofits face, finding individuals with needed skill sets and interest to volunteer their time in the capacity of board members. While it had been an ongoing challenge, it came to head in 2023 as two individuals were cycling off the board which already ran with a short roster. To address this challenge, Buckham had to overcome its reputation for only welcoming visual artists in its membership and solely operating as an exhibition space, while building representation of diverse communities in its programming. Steps to tackle these were largely institutional marketing, promoting the newer programs and outreach such as the Writer In Residence for BIPOC artists described in the previous section, and a concise call for new board members and onboarding process.
ED created a “Meet & Greet” event for potential board members. This event welcomed 45 attendees to learn more about Buckham and meet current members. The event was advertised via social media with a clear call to action. Once a core group of individuals was identified for board potential they were enrolled on committees to allow both parties to get to know each other over the course of three months prior to the Annual Meeting where the membership votes. Buckham went from a 6 member BOD to 11 members and increased diversity by 36%.
In November of 2022 Buckham learned that its annual fundraising event in collaboration with other organizations would not take place in the spring of 2023. This single event accounted for 75% of Buckham’s annual fundraising income. The ED made a quick pivot changing the city-wide art auction into a solo event called Build Your Own Collection (B.Y.O.C.). Buckham hosted an open call for art without submission fees, selected works that may not normally be exhibited in the gallery with the guidelines that the work must be for sale and not priced over $500. Staff installed 199 works of art in three days prior to the event. At the ticketed event, 150 attendees received refreshments, live music, community drawing wall, and an opportunity to purchase artworks in support of Buckham and the artists. All sales were split 50/50, unlike the prior art auction which relied on donated art. Artists were happy to sell their work and provided higher quality works for the exhibit. This event was not only a great deal of fun and profitable, it gained exposure for Buckham’s programming to new audiences.
The current financial position is strong and nearly broke-even at the end of FY23 after two years of intentional deficit. In FY21, BOD earmarked a portion of its savings funds to expand artistic and outreach programming, increasing funding paid to contracted artists. In FY22 BOD devoted savings funds to the annual budget, bringing the 1.75 FT staff salaries closer to regional norms. While FY21 and FY22 both ended in deficit, staff efforts resulted in increased earned revenue over past years. For FY23 the BOD increased staff to 2 FT employees to retain experienced staff and devote more time to fundraising and development. Buckham’s fiscal year runs October 1 - September 30. The recently completed FY23 came within $4,500 of breaking even. While any deficit is undesirable when running an organization, it was an immensely ambitious budget that included greater earned income in Art Sales, Call For Entry Fees, and rental income. Unearned income increased in the form of Annual Fund Appeals and general event donations. Total income for the last three fiscal years show that FY23 brought in roughly $30k to $26k more than the prior years: FY20 total income was $98,625; FY21 total income was $100,230; FY22’s total income was $111,636; FY23’s total income was $137,119.
Now in our FY24 budget cycle, leadership is proceeding more cautiously- optimistic, but cautious. We have much work ahead of us to ensure another 40 years, but our future is bright. Buckham is proud to be part of Flint’s art community. We are committed to expanding opportunities for our community to engage with a diverse range of serious contemporary art and cultural ideas. We are also determined to use our expanding programs and increasing reach to attract positive attention and cultural activity to Flint. Support from volunteers, individuals, and organizations have enabled Buckham Gallery to grow, develop, and change. We greatly appreciate the role our community has played.
Thank you for your support!
ED created a “Meet & Greet” event for potential board members. This event welcomed 45 attendees to learn more about Buckham and meet current members. The event was advertised via social media with a clear call to action. Once a core group of individuals was identified for board potential they were enrolled on committees to allow both parties to get to know each other over the course of three months prior to the Annual Meeting where the membership votes. Buckham went from a 6 member BOD to 11 members and increased diversity by 36%.
In November of 2022 Buckham learned that its annual fundraising event in collaboration with other organizations would not take place in the spring of 2023. This single event accounted for 75% of Buckham’s annual fundraising income. The ED made a quick pivot changing the city-wide art auction into a solo event called Build Your Own Collection (B.Y.O.C.). Buckham hosted an open call for art without submission fees, selected works that may not normally be exhibited in the gallery with the guidelines that the work must be for sale and not priced over $500. Staff installed 199 works of art in three days prior to the event. At the ticketed event, 150 attendees received refreshments, live music, community drawing wall, and an opportunity to purchase artworks in support of Buckham and the artists. All sales were split 50/50, unlike the prior art auction which relied on donated art. Artists were happy to sell their work and provided higher quality works for the exhibit. This event was not only a great deal of fun and profitable, it gained exposure for Buckham’s programming to new audiences.
The current financial position is strong and nearly broke-even at the end of FY23 after two years of intentional deficit. In FY21, BOD earmarked a portion of its savings funds to expand artistic and outreach programming, increasing funding paid to contracted artists. In FY22 BOD devoted savings funds to the annual budget, bringing the 1.75 FT staff salaries closer to regional norms. While FY21 and FY22 both ended in deficit, staff efforts resulted in increased earned revenue over past years. For FY23 the BOD increased staff to 2 FT employees to retain experienced staff and devote more time to fundraising and development. Buckham’s fiscal year runs October 1 - September 30. The recently completed FY23 came within $4,500 of breaking even. While any deficit is undesirable when running an organization, it was an immensely ambitious budget that included greater earned income in Art Sales, Call For Entry Fees, and rental income. Unearned income increased in the form of Annual Fund Appeals and general event donations. Total income for the last three fiscal years show that FY23 brought in roughly $30k to $26k more than the prior years: FY20 total income was $98,625; FY21 total income was $100,230; FY22’s total income was $111,636; FY23’s total income was $137,119.
Now in our FY24 budget cycle, leadership is proceeding more cautiously- optimistic, but cautious. We have much work ahead of us to ensure another 40 years, but our future is bright. Buckham is proud to be part of Flint’s art community. We are committed to expanding opportunities for our community to engage with a diverse range of serious contemporary art and cultural ideas. We are also determined to use our expanding programs and increasing reach to attract positive attention and cultural activity to Flint. Support from volunteers, individuals, and organizations have enabled Buckham Gallery to grow, develop, and change. We greatly appreciate the role our community has played.
Thank you for your support!
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Buckham Gallery is funded by the following organizations:
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Generous support is provided by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation.
This program is sponsored by the Greater Flint Arts Council Share Art Genesee Grant Program made possible by the Genesee County Arts Education and Cultural Millage funds. Your tax dollars are at work!
This program is sponsored by the Greater Flint Arts Council Share Art Genesee Grant Program made possible by the Genesee County Arts Education and Cultural Millage funds. Your tax dollars are at work!
