Ferndale Arts & Cultural Commission: An Interview with Mark Burton

Story by Cheri Clair
Photos by Mark Burton

The Ferndale Arts & Cultural Commission (FACC) is a an official, volunteer-run organization of the City of Ferndale. Their mission is to support the arts and artists in the Ferndale area and to work with the city council to address those needs. The Commission has several ongoing programs, and some new ones this year. They sponsor Art@City Hall, a series of art shows at City Hall, an Art Fair at City Hall in June, and Salon Sundays take place every third Sunday at Dino’s featuring an hour of various musical entertainment. They also do a summer concert series at Kulick Center Park.

The FACC works with all levels of City Government to help meet the art needs of Ferndale. They also have partnered with the Chamber on the “Artist in You Scholarship Program,” hosting the awards ceremony at the Community Art Gallery at Level One Bank, and awarding two scholarships. FACC and the Chamber of Commerce used to present separate scholarships, so they decided to combine the two under the “Artist in You” banner. The chamber will present two-dimensional art at the library and the FACC will offer three-dimensional art at Level One.

I interviewed Commission Chair Mark Burton via Facebook.
Ferndale Friends: How long has the Commission been operating?
Mark Burton: It was decommissioned several years ago, but resurrected in 2013 with a core group of five people. Today we have almost a full commission of eleven incredibly talented and dedicated people covering all aspects of the arts.

FF: What is your role in the Commission?
MB: I am the Chair of the Commission. I try and herd the cats.

FF: Can you tell me about yourself? Are you a native of Ferndale? Where did you go to school?
MB: I am originally from Matthews, North Carolina. I moved to Michigan 30 years ago, and have been in Ferndale for twenty years. I am a graduate of CCS with a major in painting. I have shown extensively in Michigan. I own a custom picture framing business, Frame.Ography. I also curate art shows at Shramm’s Meadery, and I personally represent a few artists.

FF: Tell us about Level One Bank and the art displays there.
MB: They were originally Paramount Bank, and the Community Art Gallery was an outreach to the community, but sadly it sort of floundered. When the new team from Level One came in they were committed to community outreach and revived the art gallery. I worked with Darren Bolsby, the Banking Manager, on the best way to reach out to local artists and causes. They are a fantastic team dedicated to being very involved in our community. They are doing a huge Flint water drive right now. Their commitment to Ferndale is huge.

FF: Any final words?
MB: Art is a passion. It is what I love and it keeps me going. Anything I can do to promote the arts in Ferndale, I will do. Unfortunately, art does not always pay, (but) it’s a way of life.

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