What is the White Church Gallery?

Mike and Carrie Zaitz are renovating an old Methodist Church in Grindstone City, Michigan. Mike claims he just wanted a place to work on his art. He sold Carrie on it, since she's usually up for adventures. From that happy December of 2011 till now, the investment in time and money has seen the church rebuilt from its glorious bones into a work of art, in progress. Carrie is documenting the process because, well, it's easier to hold a camera than to hold an edging sander. She's done both, because she is having an adventure, but it is Mike who drives this project with his intelligence, talent and energy. Together they are working toward creating an art gallery. A gallery which holds objects of beauty and inspiration, but which always points back to the source, our heavenly Father.
Showing posts with label Picard Builders. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Picard Builders. Show all posts

Sunday, March 16, 2014

Men at Work!

February has fled, leaving nothing but cold and snow in its wake. March is here, bringing cold air and snow. What the what? But that doesn't slow down progress at the White Church Gallery.
That's why God made boots! 
As predicted, weekend events back home prevented my journey to the Church, but apparently my awesome husband anointed himself court photographer in my absence. He usually shuns the camera, but either he doesn't think I believe he really works when he's there alone, or he secretly enjoys taking pictures of progress! I think it's a little of both...
I do believe he works, because he is very passionate about whatever he does. And he's a very hard worker. Plus...I knew he wouldn't be alone. Thanks to "Captain" Ron Picard, the mammoth job of painting the ceiling was nearly accomplished! So let's see what the boys were up to! 

Ron Picard rolling the ceiling with Kilz!
Ahem, court photographer, is this the first one you took? Looks like you're halfway through! Ha Ha- it's looking good! 

We thought about spraying the paint on, but the first coat needs the attention hand rolling could only give. Hence the circus act these two performed on a system of scaffolding and ladders. Go boys, go! 

Check out the scaffolding-ladder system!

Is he really on his tippy toes? 
Yep, he is! He's a pro! And so it went. 

And just to prove he was rolling too, look what I found on the camera!
I recognize those paint splatters on your glasses! My hero!
And so, here are the results of their hard work. 

View to the front door
Wow. What a difference. Now the cracks look fine. When we had finished the ceiling over the "attic" I thought the cracks made it look dirty, but now it looks great! 

Nice!
Cool- the white ceiling really picks up colors! We were pondering what color we'd paint the ceiling, but we're in love with the lightness of the ceiling, so we'll go with something a shade or two creamier and less blinding softer than stark white. 

Quittin' time!
Looks like there's just a little bit left to prime. Then we can spray the color coat on. 

The next morning, Grindstone Mike went back for some daylight pix- I love it! Nice job, Reluctant Court Photographer!

Early morning light

Yay Kilz!
Oh ho- Mr. Reluctant Photographer shows his true artist colors. Look what else I found on the camera!

Port Austin, looking at the breakwall.

Port Austin, with the Lighthouse in the distance

Port Austin Lighthouse, from Bird Creek Park
Nice work, Mike. I guess someone just earned himself a new job! (As if he didn't have enough to do!)
Hopefully I can help out in the next few weeks, if I can break away from other commitments. Meanwhile, thanks Captain Ron for all your hard work, and thanks, Grindstone Mike, for being you! 

Friday, August 16, 2013

With A Little Help From Our Friends...

That's how we get by!
As we were ready to get started on round two of "bringing down the walls..." we had company arrive. 
John and Chummy were the first to show up! Don't let the white hair fool you. These two are stronger than oxen on steroids! For real! Polish oxen!
"Where's the pry bar? Let's get going!"

Next thing you know, two trucks and a motorcycle pull up. It's Picard and Co., to the rescue once again! Now the pictures are going to get messy. Blurry and dusty. These human tornadoes took the other three walls down before 3 pm.  All we could do was duck for cover!

Wait for me!




"cough cough"


Triumvirate of Tearing Down, Dervishes of Demolition, Tazmanian Devils of Destruction!

On to the side. Move the scaffolding, fellas...

"easy there..."
 And so it went, tear it down, haul it out, go back for more.

Wall #3, gonzo!

What's for lunch?

Next thing you know, it's all over but the pizza! 
 
"That went well. Urp."



What's next?

Keep on keepin' on!


Great things were done today.

all that's left is water...septic...spray foam...dry wall...paint walls and ceiling...lighting...floors...almost done!!


Monday, June 18, 2012

Topped!

No leaks here! 
The roof is complete! The expanse of roofing tiles is glorious, and it defies raindrops to do their worst.

Well, not their worst- I'm sure they could find a way in during a lake storm, but barring a hurricane I think we're good to go!

Michigan doesn't get hurricanes! 

In case we've forgotten, we'd better do some before and afters. They are the mainstay of the blogosphere, after all!

Before


Bell Tower Decay
Much better! 

Sweetness! Thank you Picard Builders!


I feel the Grindstone Pioneers would heave a sigh of relief that the church has a new topper. They are a constant presence around Grindstone Corners.


There is activity across the street as well. Captain Aron G. Peer's house made of Grindstone got a beautiful facelift. It gave me a good feeling to watch the work on this piece of history. It was done with love and care, and with strong hands. Just like the original must have been built. That's why the benevolent ghosts of the many souls who toiled and triumphed here are so omnipresent.

Winterized porch

Plotting and Planning

Come on in!
Just amazing. Beautiful, hand made porch, in the fashion of the past.



Everyone's smiling, even the Church!

Grindstone Corners is blessed!