Board Members and Staff
Buckham Arts Collective, Annual Meeting 2026. Bottom Row (L-R) : Jenifer Fernandes Veloso, Alyson Hollobaugh, Amanda Edwards, Cliff Hughes; Middle Row (L-R) : Vivian Kao, Carly Aldridge, Alexander Glenn, Michele Leclaire, Jeff Schofield, Jan Worth, Chris Waters, Heather Laube, Casey DeMoss, Jessica Cech. Back Row (L-R): Nic Custer, Jonathan Glab, Rob Carter, Ken Milito, Brian Spolans, Guy Adamec, Daniel Kienitz, Craig Hinshaw, Matthew Osmon, Janice McCoy, and Connor Coyne. Not pictured: Nadia Alamah, Bob Campbell, Donovan Entrekin, Robert Huebel, John Dempsey, Gary Gebhardt, Tim Lane, Terra Lockhart, Karen Milito, Nancy Pennell, Sifus Thompson, Qiana Towns Williams, Kirei, and Linda Lou Woodruff.
Board of Directors
Christine Waters, 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, Vice President
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.
Casey DeMoss, Secretary
Casey DeMoss is an avid Art History enthusiast, holding a degree from the University of Michigan-Flint and serving as a docent at the Flint Institute of Arts. She particularly enjoys studying historical printmaking and other art forms that are readily available to the masses, and how those works reflect and inform the historical record through the perspective of the artist.
Casey DeMoss is an avid Art History enthusiast, holding a degree from the University of Michigan-Flint and serving as a docent at the Flint Institute of Arts. She particularly enjoys studying historical printmaking and other art forms that are readily available to the masses, and how those works reflect and inform the historical record through the perspective of the artist.
Rob Carter
Rob Carter creates multidisciplinary artworks that explore the complex ways human activities impact the natural world. Drawing inspiration from the biosciences and grassroots climate justice movements, he works across media—including photography, video, painting, and fiber arts—to illuminate society’s deep-rooted reliance on, and strain upon, the environment. He received his BFA from the Ruskin School of Art at the University of Oxford, and his MFA in Studio Art from Hunter College in New York. His work has been shown internationally, with solo exhibitions at Art in General in New York, Fondazione Pastificio Cerere in Rome, Galerie Stefan Röpke in Cologne, and Catharine Clark Gallery in San Francisco. Carter has also exhibited at the ICA in Philadelphia, König Galerie in Berlin, the ICA in San Jose, Centre Pompidou-Metz in France, the Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art in Japan, the Field Museum in Chicago, and the Museum of Arts and Design in New York. He currently lives and works in Flint, where he is an Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan-Flint.
Rob Carter creates multidisciplinary artworks that explore the complex ways human activities impact the natural world. Drawing inspiration from the biosciences and grassroots climate justice movements, he works across media—including photography, video, painting, and fiber arts—to illuminate society’s deep-rooted reliance on, and strain upon, the environment. He received his BFA from the Ruskin School of Art at the University of Oxford, and his MFA in Studio Art from Hunter College in New York. His work has been shown internationally, with solo exhibitions at Art in General in New York, Fondazione Pastificio Cerere in Rome, Galerie Stefan Röpke in Cologne, and Catharine Clark Gallery in San Francisco. Carter has also exhibited at the ICA in Philadelphia, König Galerie in Berlin, the ICA in San Jose, Centre Pompidou-Metz in France, the Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art in Japan, the Field Museum in Chicago, and the Museum of Arts and Design in New York. He currently lives and works in Flint, where he is an Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan-Flint.
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.
Jessica Cech
Jessica Cech is a retired classical flutist and educator with a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from MSU. Having taught at UM-Flint and the Flint School of Performing Arts for 15 years, she has a deep appreciation for Flint’s vibrant artistic community, from visual arts and theatre to literature, music, and dance. Jessica transitioned to real estate in 2021 and loves to promote what Flint has to offer. Jessica is delighted to be on the Board!
Jessica Cech is a retired classical flutist and educator with a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from MSU. Having taught at UM-Flint and the Flint School of Performing Arts for 15 years, she has a deep appreciation for Flint’s vibrant artistic community, from visual arts and theatre to literature, music, and dance. Jessica transitioned to real estate in 2021 and loves to promote what Flint has to offer. Jessica is delighted to be on the Board!
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.
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.
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 historically marginalized and underrepresented 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 historically marginalized and underrepresented 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.
Gavan Verdier, Gallery Assistant
Gavan Verdier is a student and multidisciplinary artist residing in the greater Flint area. His work and studies focus on the revival of traditional techniques and the ways in which they inform contemporary art making. He has a deep appreciation for materials and values craft, lineage, and experimentation.
Gavan Verdier is a student and multidisciplinary artist residing in the greater Flint area. His work and studies focus on the revival of traditional techniques and the ways in which they inform contemporary art making. He has a deep appreciation for materials and values craft, lineage, and experimentation.
