BUCHANAN, Mich. — A public reception will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 26, at the Buchanan Art Center, for the following new exhibits by local artists: Sacred Faces; Photography by Wolfgang Schmidt, and Creative Spirit; Photography by Ellen Schmidt in the Roti Roti Gallery.

Student work from this year’s Creative High School Art Exhibit will be shown in the BAC Showplace Gallery, Hess Gallery, and BAC Showcases.

All exhibits opened Wednesday, April 22. The Schmidts’ show runs through Saturday, May 30. The Creative High School Art Exhibit runs through Thursday, May 21, 2015.

 

Wolfgang Schmidt

Photographer Wolfgang Schmidt started his photography career when he was 12 years old and received his first brownie-type camera for his birthday. He fell in love with his new hobby and took many pictures of his family life and their trips. When he graduated from high school, Schmidt wanted to become a professional photographer; however, his father cautioned him and suggested to learn a career where he could support his family.

Working several years in a camera store, he had many opportunities to further his knowledge in photography, before studying international business at Cologne University in Germany. When he moved to the United States in 1962, Schmidt received many opportunities to travel for business. Normally taking his camera with him, and when he had free time, he would explore the area instead of spending time with his peers. To enhance his photographic knowledge, Schmidt attended various workshops by well-renowned photographers. He was encouraged to identify a field of photography that would reflect his personality.

Eventually, Schmidt became responsible for 13 computer installations around the world, and this gave him the opportunity to travel internationally. During this time, Schmidt attended various spiritual workshops and became active in his local church. Upon retirement, he traveled extensively to Latin America, Africa and Asia with an emphasis on visiting indigenous people.

It is Schmidt’s belief that that people are often marginalized and people back home could not appreciate their life. It has been Schmidt’s experience that a face can tell you a great deal about the wisdom and life of a person. As a result, he concentrated on documenting Sacred Faces and shares his respect and love for them through his photos. Schmidt’s work has been exhibited in many solo shows and group exhibits.

 

Ellen Schmidt

Photographer Ellen Schmidt’s philosophy is based on living the creative process, not focusing on the product. Schmidt believes in poet, Mary Oliver’s words, “Work is mostly standing still and learning to be astonished.”

Her trademark macro-photography, film only, and double exposures work has been exhibited in South Bend, Indiana, and Cape Cod, and she is a member of the Cape Cod Art Association. Schmidt has a permanent photograph in the YWCA in South Bend, and the University of Notre Dame utilizes Schmidt’s “Morning Glory Muse” image on one of their Theology curriculum brochures.

Ellen Schmidt received her BS in Early Childhood Education from Wheelock College in Boston, Massachusetts in 1961. Additional education instruction has been received from Retreats International, Notre Dame, IN, Workshops for Creativity at Holy Names College, Berkeley CA, and Omega Institute for Holistic Studies in Rhinebeck, New York.

Creative High School

Art Exhibit

The BAC Creative High School Art Exhibit is an annual art show for area high school students. Open to high schools in the tri-county area, this art exhibit features 2-D and 3-D works, including painting, drawing, sculpture and pottery. A showcase of local talent, this exhibit features cash awards made possible through a generous donation of Dr. Richard Beckermeyer and Michigan-Indiana AEP.

In addition, past awards have included a BAC Scholarship, and merit award given on behalf of the Buchanan Fine Arts Council. Area high schools expected to participate this year include: Buchanan, Niles, Brandywine, Eau Claire and Michigan Lutheran. Works will be on exhibit in the BAC Showplace gallery, Hess Library Gallery, and BAC Showcases through Thursday, May 21, 2015.

 

The Buchanan Art Center is located at 117 West Front Street in Buchanan, Michigan. The Center features three galleries with rotating exhibits of regional artists’ works, a program of educational art classes for all ages, and a gift shop offering works of local artists. Current hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Closed Sundays. More information, including a schedule of classes, can be obtained at the Center or by visiting the organization’s website at buchananartcenter.org.