Midwestern Dolls & Ghosts at Buckham Gallery

Artist Statement

In Ghosts, Paula delves into the weight of the past and the unseen forces shaping our present. Inspired by Henrik Ibsen’s Ghosts, this series examines how memory and inheritance linger in our lives, pressing against the boundaries of perception. Ghosts invites viewers backstage to examine materials and props: to feel connected to the moment while reflecting on it from a distance. By engaging with objects and materials as both artifacts and echoes, Paula’s work bridges history and the present, offering a thoughtful meditation on what remains and what fades.

Exhibition Details

Midwestern Dolls and Ghosts
Paula’s work reveals life’s quiet dramas—stolen moments infused with rich metaphor—on the canvas. Inspired by Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll's House and Ghosts, her paintings explore the tension between what we reveal and what we conceal, crafting snapshots of memory that feel both intimate and elusive. Each piece invites the viewer to pause, reflect, and uncover the layered stories beneath the surface.

In Midwestern Dolls and Ghosts, Paula expands this exploration by examining the relationship between text, image, and object—how they shape and transform one another over time. Drawing from Susan Sontag’s notion that the camera turns us into “tourists in other people’s reality, and eventually in our own,” this collection invites viewers backstage. Here, the materials and props of memory become visible, offering a space where the familiar and the distant converge. Through this interplay, Paula’s work bridges the personal and the universal, offering a deeply considered perspective on identity and the fleeting nature of experience.

Every Little Bit Counts
Jeremy McGirl, a mixed media artist and Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts graduate, is renowned for his innovative approach to materials and the creative process. His work often incorporates layers of paint, tape, and collage elements, reflecting his interest in the relationships between different media and the evolution of artistic ideas. McGirl’s art has been described as “gently beautiful,” consistently pushing the boundaries of traditional art forms.

Fruiting Bodies
Daniel F. Kienitz, a ceramic artist and member of the Buckham Artist Collaborators, explores organic forms and natural growth processes in his work. Using stoneware, Kienitz creates pieces that evoke the textures and structures found in nature, inviting viewers to contemplate the interconnectedness of life and the beauty of natural forms.

Gallery Information

Buckham Gallery is a contemporary art space dedicated to presenting innovative and ambitious works across various media. Established in 1984 by a collective of Flint-area artists, the gallery has a rich history of showcasing both emerging and established artists, fostering an open atmosphere for creative expression.

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Buckham Gallery is supported by individuals and organizations that value the arts and their positive impact on communities. The gallery offers free admission to all visitors, ensuring accessibility to contemporary art for everyone.

The gallery is ADA-compliant, featuring ground-level access with electronic doors to accommodate all guests. Visitors can explore the gallery during its operating hours: Wednesday through Friday from 11 AM to 5 PM, and Saturday from 12 PM to 5 PM. Additionally, Buckham Gallery participates in Flint’s Second Friday Art Walk, extending its hours from 6 PM to 9 PM on those evenings.

For more information about current and upcoming exhibitions, events, and visitor guidelines, please visit the official website at https://buckhamgallery.org.