At our 2026 Annual Member Meeting, Bob Williams was announced as our Special Recognition Award Winner! Bob Williams was President of the Berrien Artist Guild in the early 1990’s when the building we call home was first purchased; his vision has resulted in who we are today. Bob believed the Guild should not only have a place to meet, but a place where artists could showcase their art. Alongside the recognition, Bob was gifted a permanent portrait in the Williams Gallery painted by Matt Payovich and framed by Tom Wright.

“There were so many others that also saw that vision and worked very hard. That list of people would be very long. I think that we all would agree that the Box Factory for the Arts is the fulfillment of that vision and even more than what our vision encompassed. I’m so humbled to be honored for the vision and work of all of us who have been part of what has been created. Please excuse me for not mentioning everyone when I thank those people for helping to make it happen and for honoring me. Those people include Jean Gast and her son Dennis Gast, Barb Willy and the entire Willy family, Heartha Whitlow, the city of St. Joseph officials who were involved with our start, Mike Murphy, Judy Sokolowski (our long time president and continuing volunteer), Susan Solon (our current president), all of our current board members, committee members, paid staff, and list of every day volunteers and of course my friends, Matt Payovich (who painted my portrait) and Tom Wright (who framed my portrait). We are in good hands with our current board, staff, and volunteers to continue the vision we had back in 1995. Thank you all, and to my wife Carol and my children, who were forced to share my attention during those first few years when so much time was taken from them, but they never mentioned it.” – Bob Williams

Thank you, Bob, for being everything that a Berrien Artist Guild Member encompasses: kindness, artistry, and a passion for creating community!