Artist Bio
Gil Bolduc
Gil was born and raised in Bay City, MI. To pursue his artistic dreams, he migrated to Grand Rapids, MI post high school graduation. He attended the Kendall School of Design and graduated in 1968. At the time, the Grand Rapids community was starting to draw much attention for its support of artists. Between the experience at Kendall College and the support of local artists through the creation of the Grand Rapids art festival, Gil settled in the community where he’s operated through present day. The Festival began in 1970 – a grand celebration of the arts in West Michigan, inspired by the 1969 installation of Alexander Calder’s “La Grande Vitesse” (“The Great Swiftness”).1,
Post graduation, Gil developed several mediums of expression working as an independent artist. Pencil sketching, sculpting, acrylic and oils are a few of the preferred mediums.
Using his skills as a sketch artist, Gil worked with several local area businesses to create product brochures. He also worked with a local home-builder and created sketch renderings for 2D floor plans to market several models.
Gil began to see recognition from the artist community in 1973, where he received a first-place painting award at the Grand Rapids Art festival, now known as the Festival of the Arts.
During the early to mid-1970’s, Gil continued to amass works in his collection and setting up several shows:
• Dedicated show at the Rentschler Gallery, Grand Rapids, MI – 1974
• Dedicated show at the Fort Wayne Museum, Fort Wayne, IN – 1974
• Contribution of work to the Grand Rapids Art Museum – 1975
Gil’s last submission and award came in 1983, where he won the Best in Show Award at the Grand Rapids Festival of the Arts. His works have continued to land in private collections throughout Michigan, Florida and Arizona, including works submitted to the Grand Rapids Art Museum. The works visible on this site represent both older and recent contributions to the overall collection.