Board Members and Staff
Bottom Row (L-R) : Cliff Hughes, Kirsten Kaufmann, Jenifer Fernandes Veloso, Amanda Edwards, Alyson Hollobaugh, Jan Worth. Middle Row (L-R) : Aisha Changezi, Katie Cotton (Staff), Bob Campbell, Chris Waters, Janice McCoy, Carly Aldridge, Michele Leclaire, Taylor Glenn, Alexander Floyd Glenn, Nic Custer. Back Row (L-R): Daniel Kienitz, Connor Coyne, Robert J Huebel, Phillip Walker II, Craig Hinshaw, Babak Elahi, Donovan Entrekin, Roy Richard, Brian Spolans, Ken Milito, Matthew Osmon, Karen Milito. Not pictured: Guy Adamec, Melodie Bolt, John Dempsey, Gary Gebhardt, Emily Legleitner, Michael Parker, Nancy Pennell, Andrea Priehs, Xzavier V Simon, Sifus Thompson, and Linda Lou Woodruff.
Board of Directors
Janice McCoy, President
Janice McCoy is an interdisciplinary artist with interests in printmaking, drawing and painting. Her work has been exhibited across the state of Michigan. She is a graduate of the University of Michigan-Flint, holding degrees in Visual Arts Education (BS 2018) and General Studio Art (BFA 2018). Janice works at the Flint Institute of Arts as the 2-D Programs Manager for the Art School, where she teaches and oversees studio operations and programming for two-dimensional media. Additionally, she is an artist collaborator with the Buckham Fine Arts Project, where she also serves as Vice President for the Board of Directors for Buckham Gallery.
Janice McCoy is an interdisciplinary artist with interests in printmaking, drawing and painting. Her work has been exhibited across the state of Michigan. She is a graduate of the University of Michigan-Flint, holding degrees in Visual Arts Education (BS 2018) and General Studio Art (BFA 2018). Janice works at the Flint Institute of Arts as the 2-D Programs Manager for the Art School, where she teaches and oversees studio operations and programming for two-dimensional media. Additionally, she is an artist collaborator with the Buckham Fine Arts Project, where she also serves as Vice President for the Board of Directors for Buckham Gallery.
Christine Waters, Vice President
Christine Waters is the former Associate Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Studies and Acting Chair, Program of Art and Art History, University of Michigan-Flint, Flint, Michigan. Her Academic Credentials include Master of Fine Art-Painting, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Master of Art-Painting, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Bachelor of Science-Art, University of Wisconsin-Madison. In addition, she has participated in many Workshops/Institutes, University Service, Committee work, and related activities.
Christine Waters is the former Associate Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Studies and Acting Chair, Program of Art and Art History, University of Michigan-Flint, Flint, Michigan. Her Academic Credentials include Master of Fine Art-Painting, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Master of Art-Painting, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Bachelor of Science-Art, University of Wisconsin-Madison. In addition, she has participated in many Workshops/Institutes, University Service, Committee work, and related activities.
Carly Aldridge, Secretary
Carly Aldridge is a graphic designer and artist specializing in typography, printmaking, and print design. With seven years of experience in graphic design and marketing, she currently contributes her expertise to an ad agency in Lansing. Carly’s passion for design extends to her personal projects, where she explores new creative possibilities using her century-old letterpress in her home studio.
A Flint resident for over a decade, Carly earned her degree in Visual Communication from the University of Michigan-Flint. As a sustaining member of the Buckham Fine Arts Project, she is dedicated to supporting and advancing contemporary art in her cherished community.
Carly Aldridge is a graphic designer and artist specializing in typography, printmaking, and print design. With seven years of experience in graphic design and marketing, she currently contributes her expertise to an ad agency in Lansing. Carly’s passion for design extends to her personal projects, where she explores new creative possibilities using her century-old letterpress in her home studio.
A Flint resident for over a decade, Carly earned her degree in Visual Communication from the University of Michigan-Flint. As a sustaining member of the Buckham Fine Arts Project, she is dedicated to supporting and advancing contemporary art in her cherished community.
Cliff Hughes, Treasurer
Cliff Hughes is a photographer living in Davison. While being a new member to the Buckham board, Cliff is looking forward to helping strengthen the Flint/ Genesee County arts community. He works in the Field Service department for a robotics company in Rochester Hills.
Cliff Hughes is a photographer living in Davison. While being a new member to the Buckham board, Cliff is looking forward to helping strengthen the Flint/ Genesee County arts community. He works in the Field Service department for a robotics company in Rochester Hills.
Bob campbell
Bob Campbell is a local writer who was born and raised in Flint. His debut novel, Motown Man, was published in November 2020 by Urban Farmhouse Press.
Bob's creative nonfiction, essays and novel excerpts have appeared in Michigan Quarterly Review, Belt Magazine, Forge Literary Magazine, Hypertext Magazine, All Write in Sin City (podcast) and Gravel Magazine. He is a contributor to Belt Publishing’s Midwest Architecture Journeys, published in October 2019. He is also a contributor to We Poke Along Writers Project (wepokealong.umich.edu), inspired by the Depression-era state guides written and published under the auspices of the Federal Writers' Project, a program initiated by the Roosevelt administration's Works Project Administration (WPA).
Bob was a staff writer for the Flint Journal, Lexington Herald-Leader and Detroit Free Press. He was an electrician at AC Spark Plug for seven years before moving into journalism.
Bob Campbell is a local writer who was born and raised in Flint. His debut novel, Motown Man, was published in November 2020 by Urban Farmhouse Press.
Bob's creative nonfiction, essays and novel excerpts have appeared in Michigan Quarterly Review, Belt Magazine, Forge Literary Magazine, Hypertext Magazine, All Write in Sin City (podcast) and Gravel Magazine. He is a contributor to Belt Publishing’s Midwest Architecture Journeys, published in October 2019. He is also a contributor to We Poke Along Writers Project (wepokealong.umich.edu), inspired by the Depression-era state guides written and published under the auspices of the Federal Writers' Project, a program initiated by the Roosevelt administration's Works Project Administration (WPA).
Bob was a staff writer for the Flint Journal, Lexington Herald-Leader and Detroit Free Press. He was an electrician at AC Spark Plug for seven years before moving into journalism.
Amanda Edwards
Amanda Edwards holds a BFA of Illustration from Columbia College Chicago. Her work is primarily focused on stylized characters that incorporate feeling, humor, and child-like wonder into the imagery. Amanda’s primary mediums are drawing and painting, both physical and digital with a large focus on color. Amanda resides in the Greater Flint Area, is an artist collaborating member of Buckham Gallery and exhibits regionally.
Amanda Edwards holds a BFA of Illustration from Columbia College Chicago. Her work is primarily focused on stylized characters that incorporate feeling, humor, and child-like wonder into the imagery. Amanda’s primary mediums are drawing and painting, both physical and digital with a large focus on color. Amanda resides in the Greater Flint Area, is an artist collaborating member of Buckham Gallery and exhibits regionally.
Babak Elahi
Babak Elahi joined Kettering University in 2019 as Head of the Department of Liberal Arts and currently serves as the Dean of the college of sciences and liberal arts at KU. He holds a PhD in American literature from the University of Rochester. Babak teaches literature, film studies, technical communication, as well as both Sophomore and Senior Seminar in the Department of Liberal Arts. His scholarship encompasses the areas of American literature and popular culture, Iranian diasporic life writing, modern Iranian fiction, and documentary film. He has translated Iranian fiction from Persian to English, and his most recent academic article, “Reorienting Grass” (Afterimage, Sept. 2022), is an extended study of the 1925 documentary film, Grass: A Nation’s Battle for Life, and the subsequent musical score composed by Iranian musicians in 1992. Babak is also a musician, himself, whose credits include writing and performing the musical score for the independent documentary film The House of Stronzo (2018).
Babak Elahi joined Kettering University in 2019 as Head of the Department of Liberal Arts and currently serves as the Dean of the college of sciences and liberal arts at KU. He holds a PhD in American literature from the University of Rochester. Babak teaches literature, film studies, technical communication, as well as both Sophomore and Senior Seminar in the Department of Liberal Arts. His scholarship encompasses the areas of American literature and popular culture, Iranian diasporic life writing, modern Iranian fiction, and documentary film. He has translated Iranian fiction from Persian to English, and his most recent academic article, “Reorienting Grass” (Afterimage, Sept. 2022), is an extended study of the 1925 documentary film, Grass: A Nation’s Battle for Life, and the subsequent musical score composed by Iranian musicians in 1992. Babak is also a musician, himself, whose credits include writing and performing the musical score for the independent documentary film The House of Stronzo (2018).
Alexander Floyd Glenn
Alexander Floyd Glenn, a seasoned Business Intelligence Solutions Engineer, working 10-years at Huntington National Bank. Specializing in data visualization, Automation, and Enterprise Analysis. Alexander has committed his career to harnessing data for business decision-making. A seven-year leadership run as President of an Inclusion Council in Michigan highlighted his commitment to diversity and inclusion. In this role, Glenn fostered the expansion of the bank's business resource groups, working to bring together unique skill sets and leadership to those who needed it most.
Education and continuous professional development form the bedrock of Glenn's ethos. His certification roster is extensive, spanning from Microsoft Office to Tableau, SQL, and project management, embodying a lifelong commitment to honing his craft. His business analysis credentials and sales pipeline management expertise serve as testament to his diverse skill set and adaptability. Currently serving on the board of the Buckham Gallery, Alexander applies his expertise and passion to further the gallery's mission and rejuvenate Flint.
Art has always held a special place in Glenn's heart, dating back to his high school years as a street artist in Flint. This lifelong passion now finds an outlet in his role on the board of the Buckham Gallery. There, Alexander will work to blend his professional acumen and artistic zeal to amplify the gallery's mission injecting fresh vitality into the heart of Flint - Buckham.
Alexander Floyd Glenn, a seasoned Business Intelligence Solutions Engineer, working 10-years at Huntington National Bank. Specializing in data visualization, Automation, and Enterprise Analysis. Alexander has committed his career to harnessing data for business decision-making. A seven-year leadership run as President of an Inclusion Council in Michigan highlighted his commitment to diversity and inclusion. In this role, Glenn fostered the expansion of the bank's business resource groups, working to bring together unique skill sets and leadership to those who needed it most.
Education and continuous professional development form the bedrock of Glenn's ethos. His certification roster is extensive, spanning from Microsoft Office to Tableau, SQL, and project management, embodying a lifelong commitment to honing his craft. His business analysis credentials and sales pipeline management expertise serve as testament to his diverse skill set and adaptability. Currently serving on the board of the Buckham Gallery, Alexander applies his expertise and passion to further the gallery's mission and rejuvenate Flint.
Art has always held a special place in Glenn's heart, dating back to his high school years as a street artist in Flint. This lifelong passion now finds an outlet in his role on the board of the Buckham Gallery. There, Alexander will work to blend his professional acumen and artistic zeal to amplify the gallery's mission injecting fresh vitality into the heart of Flint - Buckham.
Daniel Keinitz
Daniel Kienitz is an Art Teacher, photographer ,and multimedia artist working primarily in ceramic sculpture.
He studied Visual Arts Education and Studio Art at The University of Michigan - Flint, and graphic design at Mott Community College.
Daniel was one of the first artists recruited at the original Red Ink Studios-Flint. That experience furthered his enthusiasm and passion for all forms of contemporary Art in his community.
He has lived most of his life in Flint, Michigan. He takes inspiration from that city's history of proud resilience in the face of myriad challenges.
Daniel Kienitz is an Art Teacher, photographer ,and multimedia artist working primarily in ceramic sculpture.
He studied Visual Arts Education and Studio Art at The University of Michigan - Flint, and graphic design at Mott Community College.
Daniel was one of the first artists recruited at the original Red Ink Studios-Flint. That experience furthered his enthusiasm and passion for all forms of contemporary Art in his community.
He has lived most of his life in Flint, Michigan. He takes inspiration from that city's history of proud resilience in the face of myriad challenges.
Heather Laube
Heather Laube is Professor of Sociology and faculty in the Women’s and Gender Studies program at the University of Michigan-Flint. She has a PhD in sociology from the University at Albany, State University of New York, an MA in sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and a BA in sociology and Women’s Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. As a sociologist, she has cultivated a “big-picture” perspective that helps her see the roots of complex and interconnected challenges. Her work has focused on revealing, analyzing, and addressing inequities in institutions and society.
Heather has worked in Flint for over two decades and has been a Flint resident since 2014. She serves on the Flint Women’s and Girls Fund Advisory Committee, participates in the Social Determinants of Health Solutions Lab, and helped establish a free public Montessori program in the Flint Community Schools as part of the Montessori for Flint Advisory Committee.
Her two favorite questions are “Why?” (because she’s always curious and strives for deep understanding) and “What if?” (because she believes there are always other ways to think about things and to solve problems).
Heather loves engaging with the ideas, inspiration, emotion, and wonder that art and artists of all kinds evoke.
Heather Laube is Professor of Sociology and faculty in the Women’s and Gender Studies program at the University of Michigan-Flint. She has a PhD in sociology from the University at Albany, State University of New York, an MA in sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and a BA in sociology and Women’s Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. As a sociologist, she has cultivated a “big-picture” perspective that helps her see the roots of complex and interconnected challenges. Her work has focused on revealing, analyzing, and addressing inequities in institutions and society.
Heather has worked in Flint for over two decades and has been a Flint resident since 2014. She serves on the Flint Women’s and Girls Fund Advisory Committee, participates in the Social Determinants of Health Solutions Lab, and helped establish a free public Montessori program in the Flint Community Schools as part of the Montessori for Flint Advisory Committee.
Her two favorite questions are “Why?” (because she’s always curious and strives for deep understanding) and “What if?” (because she believes there are always other ways to think about things and to solve problems).
Heather loves engaging with the ideas, inspiration, emotion, and wonder that art and artists of all kinds evoke.
Roy Richard
Roy Richard is a retired Journeyman Die Maker from General Motors. A lifelong resident of Genesee County, Roy graduated from Carman Senior High School and received his AAS from Mott Community College. He has volunteered in the past in various UAW positions, the local General Baptist Denomination, and Kearsley Schools. He currently is actively working with the Davison Band Boosters and Buckham Gallery. Since retirement, he has filled his time with grandchildren, his love of working in wood, and writing poetry.
Roy Richard is a retired Journeyman Die Maker from General Motors. A lifelong resident of Genesee County, Roy graduated from Carman Senior High School and received his AAS from Mott Community College. He has volunteered in the past in various UAW positions, the local General Baptist Denomination, and Kearsley Schools. He currently is actively working with the Davison Band Boosters and Buckham Gallery. Since retirement, he has filled his time with grandchildren, his love of working in wood, and writing poetry.
Phillip Walker, II
Phillip Walker II is a multi-talented creative who has excelled in music, management, and media. He graduated from Flint Powers Catholic and Mott Community College, where he honed his business skills and developed a passion for design. He was once part of the music duo "PhZD," releasing several projects and becoming a familiar face in the local Flint music scene.
Aside from his musical pursuits, Phillip also possesses extensive experience in graphic design and videography. He has a keen eye for aesthetics and a deep understanding of visual communication.
Currently, Phillip works as a Program Associate at Communities First, Inc., where he oversees events, volunteers, and programs that directly impact the community. He is driven by his constant devotion to the community—whether it's through hospitality, guiding the youth, or creating better support systems for artists, he is dedicated to serving the Flint area.
Phillip Walker II is a multi-talented creative who has excelled in music, management, and media. He graduated from Flint Powers Catholic and Mott Community College, where he honed his business skills and developed a passion for design. He was once part of the music duo "PhZD," releasing several projects and becoming a familiar face in the local Flint music scene.
Aside from his musical pursuits, Phillip also possesses extensive experience in graphic design and videography. He has a keen eye for aesthetics and a deep understanding of visual communication.
Currently, Phillip works as a Program Associate at Communities First, Inc., where he oversees events, volunteers, and programs that directly impact the community. He is driven by his constant devotion to the community—whether it's through hospitality, guiding the youth, or creating better support systems for artists, he is dedicated to serving the Flint area.
Staff
Photo: Anthony Summers
Michele Leclaire, Executive Director
Michele Leclaire is in her fifth year as Executive Director of the Buckham Fine Arts Project, also known as Buckham Gallery. In that role she provides leadership and direction, fiscal oversight, and oversees all aspects of the artistic programming. She partners with the Board to translate Buckham’s mission and strategies into sustainable services and programs that maintain broad artistic outreach. In 2021, Michele created the Writer In Residence project that supports Flint’s BIPOC literary artists to engage with their interest in visual art while creating original literary works to be compiled with exhibition images in a book at the residency’s completion.
Prior to serving as the ED, she was the Exhibition Director for Buckham Gallery. Her responsibilities include building the exhibition season, recruiting exhibiting artists, and working with outside jurors and curators to bring high-level contemporary art to Flint. Additionally Michele has developed new programming such as the Cider & Slides art talks to provide our community with opportunities to more deeply engage with contemporary artistic practice and ideas. She has introduced to Flint major artistic voices such as Kresge Fellow Ed Fraga, Guggenheim Fellow Anne Harris, and author and critic John Seed.
Michele earned an MFA in painting from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in 2006, where she studied painting with Katherine Bradford, Vincent Desidario, and Irving Petlin. Michele widely exhibits her paintings and is represented in public and private collections throughout the country.
A Flint Michigan resident since 2015 and Buckham Member since 2016, Michele lives in the College Cultural Neighborhood with her spouse and two children.
Michele Leclaire is in her fifth year as Executive Director of the Buckham Fine Arts Project, also known as Buckham Gallery. In that role she provides leadership and direction, fiscal oversight, and oversees all aspects of the artistic programming. She partners with the Board to translate Buckham’s mission and strategies into sustainable services and programs that maintain broad artistic outreach. In 2021, Michele created the Writer In Residence project that supports Flint’s BIPOC literary artists to engage with their interest in visual art while creating original literary works to be compiled with exhibition images in a book at the residency’s completion.
Prior to serving as the ED, she was the Exhibition Director for Buckham Gallery. Her responsibilities include building the exhibition season, recruiting exhibiting artists, and working with outside jurors and curators to bring high-level contemporary art to Flint. Additionally Michele has developed new programming such as the Cider & Slides art talks to provide our community with opportunities to more deeply engage with contemporary artistic practice and ideas. She has introduced to Flint major artistic voices such as Kresge Fellow Ed Fraga, Guggenheim Fellow Anne Harris, and author and critic John Seed.
Michele earned an MFA in painting from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in 2006, where she studied painting with Katherine Bradford, Vincent Desidario, and Irving Petlin. Michele widely exhibits her paintings and is represented in public and private collections throughout the country.
A Flint Michigan resident since 2015 and Buckham Member since 2016, Michele lives in the College Cultural Neighborhood with her spouse and two children.
