Historic Home Turned Gallery

Yes...you can take an eyesore in your neighborhood and create beauty!

Gallery on the Boulevard is a restored 1918 residence located in the Historic District of Pontiac’s West End.  It is now home to wonderful works of art by a variety of artists, a vintage resale shop and studios.  The Gallery is the vision of Pontiac couple Rick and Pat David.  The Davids visualized the building as it once was – filled with beautiful woodwork, comfortable sunlit rooms and a welcoming open air porch.  In July of 2012, they purchased and began restoring the house.

 “There are so many hidden gems within the City of Pontiac,” said Gallery on the Boulevard owner, Pat David.  “We are looking to do whatever we can to restore some of this beauty and we hope others will follow our lead.  There is a lot of opportunity, especially in the West End, for beautification.  It just takes a little vision and some elbow grease.”

 Built in 1918, the residence was home to affluent Pontiac families until the 1950’s.  In 1954, Catholic Social Services created office space in the facility.  Walls and windows were covered and petitions added to maximize office space.  Last summer, the David’s purchased the property that was going to be foreclosed.  Renovation began immediately.

 “Our goal is to highlight the talents of the artists and to be a comfortable location for gathering,” said Pat. “We have already begun Friday evening events and are preparing to open the porch for refreshments.”

 Wi-Fi access is available for guests wishing to get a bit of work done on the porch or to help facilitate a small meeting.  Artist studios are available for renting, art classes will be scheduled for the community, and private receptions can be planned. The Davids are also preparing to transform the empty lot across the street from the Gallery into a beautiful rose garden – another place for gathering.

A grand opening celebration is planned for May 16 – 19.  The long weekend will kick-off with a ribbon cutting and the four days will feature the work of Northville artist Mike Mullen.  Other pieces on display include work by artists:  Andrea Sarra, glass fusing; George Boching, glass blowing artist; Liz Adelman, painter; Carolyn Masneri, painter; Ellen West, painter; Katherina Eltringham, painter; John Beardmen, painter; and Bruce Munce, jewelry and watercolor artist.  The painters exhibit work in different mediums.

Mike Mullen is a fine artist specializing in relief prints.  The opening will feature over 20 of his prints, as well as his refurbished 1891 Chandler & Price letterpress.  In addition to his print making, Mike teaches Graphic Design as an adjunct faculty member at Henry Ford Community College, and is an accomplished musician - playing the mountain dulcimer and Celtic harp.

All grand opening events are free to the public and include: Gallery tours; meet and greet the artists; live music; introduction of an art competition; instruction; concerts and refreshments. Mullen’s print, Long Gone, of Tiger Stadium will be auctioned off during the celebration.

Gallery on the Boulevard is located in the Historic District of Pontiac’s West End, 53 Franklin Boulevard, www.GalleryBoulevard.com, 248-770-7685,  Facebook: Gallery on the Boulevard.                                 

Grand Opening Events:

Thursday, May 16 - Sunday, May 19 

Gallery Tours ◊ Meet the Artists ◊ Enjoy Refreshments ◊ Art Competition ◊ Silent Auction

 Thursday, May 16

3 pm    Ribbon cutting

3 - 7 pm  Open house with live entertainment

 Friday, May 17

11 am - 7 pm Open house with various entertainment

7 - 9 pm  Friday on the Boulevard: Artist Mike Mullen.

Wine reception and relief print techniques

RSVP 248-770-7685

 Saturday, May 18

11 am - 7 pm  Open house

Noon - 2 pm  Historical presentations and discussion

7 - 9 pm Popular music by acoustic duo, Joe & Drew. Coffee and dessert

RSVP 248-770-7685

 Sunday, May 19

11 am - 5 pm  Open house

12 - 2 pm Lively skits performed

3 - 4 pm  Folk music by Marty Kohn