Local artist and teacher reunite at artist’s reception at Gallery 194

Local art instructor Jacqueline Piechowski enjoyed catching up with Kathryn Bailey, whose artwork is currently on exhibit at Gallery 194 in downtown Lapeer.

LAPEER — The current exhibit at Gallery 194 in downtown Lapeer celebrates the art of local artist Kathryn Bailey. But Bailey — who was born without hands — didn’t find her love for art by accident, but rather in a classroom with local teacher Jacqueline Piechowski.

Piechowski is still teaching, including art therapy for community mental health patients at the same gallery where Bailey’s art is now on display. The two were reunited at Bailey’s artist’s reception on March 22 at Gallery 194.

“She was a student of mine in 2009 at Mott Community College. I was teaching an art history class there,” said Piechowski. The instructor explained that when she was initially approached about teaching the class, it was set to be in a four-hour long lecture format. “I told them four hours is too long to sit in a lecture class. I want a lab,” she said.

Piechowski felt the class could then be used not only as a way to learn the history of art, but to give students some time to create art of their own using the techniques they were learning about in the lectures.

The teacher remembered the way she thought of Bailey upon their first meeting. “I found her charming. She’s personable and outgoing,” said Piechowski.

It was during a lab in art history, while drawing a still-life picture that Bailey first began to think she may have a future in art.

“Growing up I always loved art, but I truly never thought I would pursue being an artist. I never believed I was capable of that,” said Bailey.

Instead, Bailey saw a future for herself working with animals.

“I really thought I was going to pursue a career with horses — training them or teaching young riders,” said Bailey.

“It wasn’t until I was in Jacquie’s Art History class that I realized how much I truly loved art and that I wanted to be an artist. She had us do a still life drawing in class, and someone looked over at my paper and said ‘wow, that’s really good,’” said Bailey. “That was honestly the moment that I decided to take a chance on myself and pursue a path as an artist. If it weren’t for Jacquie and her art history class, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

“I’m just glad she had a life changing experience in my classroom; that’s really rare” said Piechowski, who then told Bailey, “You’re a gift to me just for remembering that.”

Bailey went on to study and graduate with a bachelor’s of fine arts degree in painting and graphic design from Michigan State University in December 2018

Piechowski is grateful she had the chance to teach the class that touched so many students, including Bailey. “That school really made it possible, so I want to thank Mott Community College for letting me do that,” said Piechowski, who taught there until 2015.

Piechowski is impressed with Bailey’s show at Gallery 194. “I love her current show. When I first saw it, I thought ‘it’s so textural.’ The more I looked at it I saw the color choices and depth and planning… she’s learning not just to ‘make’ but to look at things more closely,” she said. “I often tell my students: anything is fair in art. You can use sponges, you can paint with your fingers.”

Piechowski recommends the show to everyone. “You owe it to yourself to go in and look at this art,” said Piechowski. “It’s phenomenal and it’s inspiring.”

The Art of Kathryn Bailey show is on exhibit at Gallery 194 until April 27. Admission to the gallery is free of charge, with donations always appreciated.

Gallery 194 is open from noon to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, call 810- 664-4824.