A Thread Among Them: Bill Taylor 2007
                   << View photos from Bill Taylor Exhibit Opening



A Thread Among Them: The Art of Bill Taylor and Friends fills the Bonifas Arts Center’s Gallery through April 26. The multi-media display shows the variety of works that enrich the lives of Taylor and friends, and also shows the process of creating them.

Through Taylor’s life runs the thread of art. “It's always been there -- always an important part," he said, although he chose to go into biology for a profession. His father, an electrophysicist professor, told him as a kid "Artists starve -- you need a 'proper profession."

As a person who does not consider himself an artist, Taylor has produced paintings, carvings, jewelry, pottery and historic models. His works are on display in the Lower Gallery, along with some of the tools he’s used.

The Upper Gallery displays the works of Oliver Birge, Geri Johnson, and Gordon and Annegret Goehring, friends who shared the joy of creation and discovery with Taylor.

"Artists who are doing things work with you and encourage you," Taylor said. Like those in the exhibit, he said, his artist friends have had a symbiotic influence on his work.

Taylor is an Escanaba resident who worked as a forester and biologist for the Forest Service. Since retirement, he’s been involved in arts in many ways, creating useful and decorative works for friends and family.

His work has ranged through such diverse projects as historic ship models and jewelry, and he even began a one-man airplane which occupied his garage for years.

“That moved,” he laughs. “It’s living in a barn in Menominee now.”

On display are oil and watercolor paintings, charcoal drawings, carvings, jewelry, bronze, pottery, and more.

Bonifas hours are Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For more information call 786-3833. There is no charge to tour the facility or attend receptions.