Mount Pleasant artist awarded for sculpture in Discovery Museum's contest
Ben Jankens credits his daughter Emily as the inspiration behind his sculpture that recently won the "Sculpture for Discovery" art contest.
The Mount Pleasant Discovery Museum hosted the contest as a way to promote the future of the museum while showing support for art and local artists.
Jankens, a Mount Pleasant resident, said his family loves museums and other opportunities to learn, explore and have fun with their six-year-old daughter, Emily.
“I still create art for fun with Emily as much as I can,” Jankens said. “It’s a great way for me to spend time with her doing something we both love.”
This was the first piece Jankens has created that was fully intended for children. Most of his other works are either landscapes, figures or completely abstract, he said.
Jankens has a bachelor of fine arts degree from Saginaw Valley State University and has taught art in Bay City and Midland.
The museum received four submissions, all of which will be displayed at Art Reach of Mid Michigan, 111 E. Broadway St., throughout October.
“We were so thrilled to find such a wealth of talented artists right here in our own backyard,” said Tami Melton, art and culture chair for the museum.
Without the support of Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, Art Reach of Mid Michigan and the Morey Foundation, the contest would not have been possible, she said.
Unsure of whether they will be able to sponsor this contest again, Melton said they hope to continue to offer opportunities for children to discover and create art through future programming at the museum.
Jankens said he is excited for the museum to be finished.
"It will bring people in, not only for vacation and travel, but it’s one more reason to come to Mount Pleasant to live and raise a family," Jankens said.
