By:
Ron Huard
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A special group of county residents – identified as “the board” – is leading the growth of cultural interests and activities throughout the area by overseeing operations of the Clinton County Arts Council. Even faced with that challenging role, members are hoping their efforts attract interest from others to join their group.
It is through the council that many enriching programs are spawned and nurtured, ranging from current disciplines of visual art, music, and theater to times past when “choo-choos” chugged their way over steel rails spanning the length and breadth of Michigan and, indeed, the entire country. Topping the list under the board’s watch is the Art Gallery itself, where hands-on classes in a variety of arts and crafts provide opportunity for self advancement and the sharing of skills with others of like interests.
For a more casual slant, one can amble through the gallery to enjoy a fascination with the hundreds – if not thousands – of items on display, running the gamut from oils and pastels, glassware, wood work, photos to quilting – even Ukranian eggs and Hanover’s Mint candy. If it’s a gift or a home adornment under consideration, the Gallery may be the perfect spot, providing a broad array of distinctive possibilities that belie the gentle prices.
Representing the board in daily operations is Director Mike Muehlenbeck who has given refreshing vitality to the Gallery with attractive and sparkling displays supported by an industrious schedule of events, presentations and exceptional showings. Part of the success of that energetic agenda lies with a number of volunteers who ensure that the Gallery is open the hours advertised and who are always on hand during special events.
“Those are the heroes,” commented Muehlenbeck, “without whom the Gallery would be a dark, empty place. We would certainly miss the works of many talents and the words of many of our instructors without the contributions made by volunteer hours.”
That spirit of volunteerism originates with the board, currently comprised of twelve members, each with hopes of expanding the volunteer spirit for membership representation across Clinton County. Presently, one board member who happens to be a DeWitt resident and an accomplished, well recognized artist in his own right is Dan Matson. Matson, who is an attorney, is one of two DeWitt residents who sit on the board and have had significant influence in the recent advancements benefitting the arts council. Matson is joined on the board by his DeWitt neighbor, Anthony Stoker, another fine painter.
In addition to his board contributions, Matson has samples of his work on exhibit at the Gallery and an ongoing display at St. Johns Municipal offices at Clinton County Courthouse.
Unlike most artists whose media is paint, Matson’s interest in the craft originated at a time well past his college and law school graduations. Sometime, after establishing his practice and foregoing vacation time over a period of seven years, he and his wife, Marleen, and family, took an eleven-month sabbatical to assist a small church on the island of Tasmania. It was there that he began sketching a few local scenes and structures of interest that ultimately led to his work with paint.
That beginning was followed over the years by four art history related trips and tours to Europe where visits to many early period sites and the works of masters whetted his enthusiasm, ultimately escorting him to his current unique, abstract style. That style has delighted viewers throughout mid-Michigan at numerous gallery exhibits and special showings.
While painting holds a strong attraction for Matson, he is able to juggle several other interests, responsibilities and volunteer commitments, including ownership of the DeWitt Art Gallery and author of “The Art of Art,” which is a compendium of poetic statements of all disciplines of art.
Along with his full time law practice, Matson has served 39 years as DeWitt city attorney and is also attorney for the Village of Fowler. In 2008 he received the Distinguished Municipal Attorney Award from the Michigan Association of Municipal Attorneys, of which he a past president.
Dan calls his method of painting a “unique technique,” which engages physical science in its application. His philosophical approach observes that “art tastes dreams and feeds appreciation’s senses with it. Art is what enthusiasm looks for as it plays with common stuff. And art is the taste of tastes that takes it past its place.”
Since 1971, Matson has been a volunteer member of Clinton Memorial Hospital Foundation and has served as Chairperson of that group’s Planned Giving Committee.
Matson is but one of a dozen persons currently serving on the board of Clinton County Arts Council. Arline Minsky and Jenny McCampbell function as President and Vice President, respectively. Treasurer is Dave Brown and Wendy Andrzejewski holds the position of secretary. Trustees are Bev Davis, Mary Ann Ellickson, Bob Jansen, Paul Matheson, Ken Osentoski, Anthony Stoker and Executive Director Muehlenbeck.
 Dan Matson explains the philosophy behind his “unique technique” of painting. |
 Michael Muehlenbeck, CCAC Executive Director |