Today we’d like to introduce you to Mic Carlson.
Hi Mic, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’m a professional artist born in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1965. I have operated galleries in Grand Rapids and Saugatuck, Michigan. I have had 4 exhibitions in Italy, including a month long exhibition at the Basilica of San Francesco in Assisi, Italy. I displayed 16 bronze statues telling the story of St. Francis of Assisi.
My wife Susan Evangelista has added a major spark to my career, not only in her countless support but also documenting my creations and exhibitions on video for the best of 27 years.
I also presented Pope Benedict a bronze sculpture of St. Francis at the Vatican in 2008. And I also am the founder of a 6 acre Saint Francis Sculpture Garden in Grand Rapids that will forever showcase the collection of 24 bronze sculptures. The garden is a wooded pathway to walk and enjoy nature as you take in the sculptures and stories on stone coinciding with each bronze.
I continue to create large bronze monuments. West Michigan bronze statues include a seven foot “Madonna of the Streets” located in the Garden of Life on Bridge Street, “Christ at the Pillar’” a seven foot bronze at Holy Redeemer in Jenison, “Living Cross”, a 13 foot bronze cross at Cascade Christian Church in Ada, Officer Robert Kozminski bronze located at Richmond Park. Early 2018, I unveiled my largest monument in front of the Basilica of St. Adalbert’s of “Jesus and the Children.”
Don’t forget to get to John Ball Zoo to see my collection of bronze Meerkats.
This past Fall we unveiled 25 bronze Dragonflies (scavenger Hunt) in Downtown Grand Rapids. Starting at the Children’s Museum you follow the locations all around the downtown area on a map.
I am now finishing up a large memorial dedicated to the Michigan Fallen Soldiers to be located in Walker.
I also showcase a collection of paintings in my gallery at the Common Ground Coffee shop next to the Schnitz deli. The Waters Building downtown also displays a collection of oil paintings for sale. Also over the years, I have been commissioned to create historical portraits throughout Grand Rapids. Places include Saint John Vianney Church a painting of St. Philomena in the Sanctuary, Putt Putts Bar, Bob’s Bar, past restaurants Sierra room downtown, Cottage Bar, One Trick Pony and Cheers and a sculpture relief of St. Francis and a painting of Jesus titled “Easter” at Bethlehem Lutheran Church.
My shop and gallery is located on Front Street and I’m open for appointment only. I give regular tours of the Saint Francis Sculpture Garden upon request. I’m also working on a future exhibition in Canterbury, England.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being a self employed artist comes with challenges . But I have maintained a strong work effort. I enjoy what I do. I wear many hats to keep the train chugging. As the founder and facilitator of the Saint Francis Sculpture Garden, it definitely comes with challenges. But I’m blessed with my managerial skills and friends to accomplish so much and to share with the community.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Most of that I mentioned in the first question. But I will add I’m a self taught artist and sculptor as well as an . accomplished profession mold maker.
I also have a skill of repairing sculptures and restoring paintings. I restored a renowned Grand Rapids artist Mathias Alten Mural that was featured on an HGTV program “If Walls Could Talk”
Blessed to have received a letter from the Vatican to give a bronze sculpture of Saint Francis to Pope Benedict XVI at Saint Peters square.
Honored to be the Founder of the Saint Francis Sculpture Garden in Grand Rapids.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Family and friends, because we are all in it together.
Continuing to create art for our community and to continue to raise funds for the beautiful Saint Francis Sculpture Garden, and also to continue to dream and share my gift with international exhibitions and lectures.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://miccarlson.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRCG_43bny4
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whcdcJWI3LI
