David Baker – It was all about the lights by Judy Sokolowski

When David and Jackie Baker moved to the area from Dowagiac, David planned to devote his attention to creating art. Their new home had space for a studio; but a friend suggested it was good to “get out of the house” and have a separate space. It was in 2017 that David signed the lease on Studio 209 at the Box Factory.

He was content creating art in his new studio until the gallery lights drew his attention. “I started by adjusting lights because they weren’t being done to my standards,” said David. That was the beginning of his commitment to gallery exhibits at the Box.

He resisted serving on a committee; but decided to “suck it up” and be listed as co-chair of the gallery committee. “Denise (Tackett) and Jane (Rush) were doing an excellent job; but they had no formal gallery experience,” he said. As co-chair, he has helped co-ordinate the many details involved in the planning and executing of the exhibit schedule which includes the upcoming MAAC.

David brought to the Box his background as an educator and curator from an arts career at Southwestern Michigan College. Although reluctant to be involved in gallery exhibits, his thumbprint has grown from lighting exhibits, to renovation of the spaces, to installation of new hanging systems, curating exhibits; and educating a new group of committee members.

Because the Box is owned and operated by Guild members, he said he plans to engage more people and remind them to accept responsibility for the work. “We have a small cadre of people with skills on the gallery committee. I would like to add more who are willing to jump in and help. We need to keep growing the base over time.”

His own commitment to the Box extends beyond the galleries. Whenever he sees something that needs to be done, he is inspired to help. While waiting for paint to dry on a new creation on his easel, he has been known to sweep the floor and tidy up the classroom outside his studio door. And all the while managing to create art under the name of dbakerart.com.

David’s commitment to the Box could be summed up in three words – teaching, building and sharing. And continuing to shine the light on the exhibits.