Tuscan Cafe, 141 E. Main St, Downtown Northville.

Carol Campbell Welsch - Northville, MI

I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Northwestern University with a minor in art history. Later, I earned a Master of Social Work from University of Michigan and worked as a clinical social worker for 36 years. While I did not pursue art as a career, I took a few adult education drawing classes and told myself I would revisit art-making after retirement.

 In 2017, I met an artist name Ellie Harold, who offered oil painting workshops in Frankfort, MI. I decided to enroll in one of her classes and happily have been practicing with oils ever since.  Initially driven to express my feelings after the loss of my sister and mother, painting has allowed me to honor a lifelong appreciation of art and my early interest in realizing my own art-making potential.

While not fully retired, I continue to practice painting in my basement studio as well as through classes and workshops. For example, over three past winters, I traveled to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico for an art retreat organized by teacher Ellie Harold for a group of 12 women artists. I have exhibited my artwork throughout Michigan, including at the 44th Annual CSA Arts and Crafts Fair in Crystal Lake, Gallery 55+ in Ann Arbor, and the Northville Art House. Recently, I have begun to experiment in painting outdoors (plein-air), painting interiors, and creating larger abstract designs. I always have the spirit and support of my sister and mother behind me in this beautiful journey that I am creating. I dedicate this showing of my art to them.    - Carol Campbell Welsch

On view March 14 - May 22