Will it stay or will it go now?

Buckham Gallery in downtown Flint has been one of the major staples of art that I can remember. The gallery was established in 1984 by a group of artists who felt that Flint needed a space for serious artists. But as of late, the gallery has been suffering, trying to keep it's doors open.

Buckham Gallery is an artist run, non-profit organization. Over the past 25 years, the gallery has depended on monies coming in from grants, donations, and dues from members. In this time also, the gallery has been host to hundreds of shows, poetry and performance art events.

Part of the problem this year for the gallery is that the State of Michigan has done serious budget cuts, cuts that leaves Buckham almost $15,000 short of what they get each year. That $15,000 only covered approximately one-third of their annual expenses.

Sam Morello, Buckham Gallery's treasurer told the Michigan Times (a student publication at UM-Flint) “We used to receive a good deal of money from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and it is the same department of the state of Michigan government which has been cut.”

Many other art organizations are also feeling the pinch of funds being cut in Michigan, but have managed to stay afloat. With the economy in the state that it is in, art sales and membership have been at an all time low. Buckham has seen dark days, and hopefully they will put through these.

Buckham Gallery is located at 134 1/2 W. Second St. in downtown Flint. Business hours are:
Wed. thru Fri. 12-5p.m. For further information on how you can contribute to Buckham Gallery email the General Manager Jennifer Sikora @ manager@buckhamgallery.org.