Al White – The Artist of the Summer at the Institute
Al White and his wife, Connie, have been members of the Institute since 2015. That same year, Al also began volunteering—devoting countless hours to supporting the Stewardship Department, assisting the Education team with student field trips and art projects, and helping the kitchen staff during brunches and special events. In the words of Education Director Sara Syswerda, “Al is truly a gem of a person—his generosity with his time and creativity has made many smiles and has had a lasting impact on our community. He has donated his talent for jolly installations at Hastings Public Library, the Institute’s Play Space, and the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary.” Al created the selfie station in the Play Space at the Institute, animal pictures that we use for our “Animals in Winter” preschool program, and bird pictures that we have hanging up in the Education Building. We will use some of his bird pictures in our new birding area later this year. He also made us a “Very Hungry Caterpillar” painting for a Stroll and Read event, which is now displayed in Hastings Public Library’s children’s area. Al has also helped with numerous projects around the Institute, including installing some of our educational signage.
Al’s love for art began early. As a child, he started with just a pencil, paper, and old newspapers and magazines. He would spend hours trying to recreate the images laid out before him. Since his family didn’t own a television until he was five, he had plenty of time to devote to what he fondly calls “doodling.”
Growing up, art and recess were his favorite subjects. True to his outgoing nature, Al often ended up in detention during art class—time he made the most of by learning how to properly care for and use art supplies.
At 18, Al was accepted into Michigan State University, where he majored in Landscape Architecture. This was a time when slide rules were the standard, and using a personal computer was considered cheating! Success in the program required a strong artistic foundation, and Al credits his “detention doodling” for helping him pass with flying colors.
Today, Al continues to use what he still lovingly calls “doodling” as a form of expression. He especially enjoys drawing, wood carving, and painting. He likes watching the paint move on the paper to see where it goes, while trying to duplicate the images he sees in the field—a quick glance and a burst of color works well for him as most of his paintings are viewed from a chair several arm lengths away. Combining his love for the outdoors with his passion for art, Al still kayaks or hikes gravel roads and trails nearly every day! “Solitude is a great perk,” he says.
Many of Al’s watercolor frames are handcrafted from salvaged wood and natural materials he finds while exploring. His work is also inspired by his deep appreciation for Native American art and symbolism.
“Art is a gift of consciousness,” Al says. “It amazes me. How I ended up here, I have no idea—but I hope I have time to ride all the rides. Please enjoy, and after your visit, take time to ride the rides yourself—doodle, sing, dance, or just look and smile!”
See you on the Trails,
The Pierce Cedar Creek Institute Team