Local Artist and Veteran David Van Voorhis to Host Solo Exhibition at Tibbits Art Gallery this July

COLDWATER – Coldwater artist and U.S. Army veteran David Van Voorhis will display a collection of his artwork in a solo exhibition in the Tibbits Art Gallery beginning July 8, with a reception on Tuesday, July 14 at 5:30 pm.

Van Voorhis is an acrylic and oil painter from Coldwater, Michigan. The solo exhibition will feature a wide variety of his works, with subjects including the old American West, mountain men, Native Americans, horses, hunting, country living and sports. These “slice of life” paintings that will be on display were made throughout Van Voorhis’ lifelong artistic career.

A former student of the Coldwater school system, Van Voorhis studied art under Earl Houghton and Vera Luce. While there, he accomplished his first oil painting of the Centreville Bridge in the fourth grade. As his teachers and parents noticed his artistic talent, Van Voorhis enrolled in Cass Technical High School in Detroit, where he was able to strengthen his artistic skill and receive professional tutoring in general studies.

“He was born to be an artist,” said Van Voorhis’ mother. “When he took up his first crayon as a toddler, he drew pictures instead of scribbling like most youngsters do.”

While attending the ArtCenter College of Design in Los Angeles, Van Voorhis volunteered to join the U.S. Army. After completing Basic Combat Training at Fort Knox, he was transferred to Fort Dix to be sent to Germany as a mechanic. Due to a clerical error, Van Voorhis found himself at Camp King’s 66th Military Intelligence Brigade. The Army discovered his artist talent and had him paint a mural. He remained in Germany until he was honorably discharged in 1963.

Van Voorhis later had an apprenticeship at a Detroit-based company, where his artwork was purchased by Dow Chemical. The experience of a large company being interested in his work further spurred his passion. He later worked for American Motors before finally working for Skidmore Studios in Detroit.

David Van Voorhis’ solo exhibition will hang in the Tibbits Art Gallery July 8 to August 19. A reception will be held in the Tibbits Art Gallery on July 14 at 5:30 pm. Light refreshments will be available. This reception is free and open to the public. The gallery is open during all events and by appointment Monday through Friday. Call 517-278-6029 to schedule a viewing. There is no admission charge.

The gallery is managed by Arts Alive, an arts organization under the umbrella of the Tibbits Opera Foundation, which also organizes the Downtown ArtWalk and other arts-related community events in Coldwater, Michigan. For dates and details of additional exhibits, or to become involved in Arts Alive, call Tibbits at 517-278-6029 or email info@tibbits.org.