Label
From “Keeping an Eye on History” at the OSH 2018
White Church
Jeff Abshear
acrylic on canvas, no date
the story | The lower section of Saugatuck along the Kalamazoo was the location of river-related industries and was a flurry of economic activity. This district of the village was called “The Flats.” Beyond is “The Hill” district—a large “respectable” residential neighborhood that developed to allow early residents an escape from the factory and shipbuilding noise, smells, and accompanying disreputable people.
the art | A view from The Flats up Griffith Street, looking north up to The Hill with the Methodist Church on the left.
the artist | California native Jeff Abshear moved to Michigan to attend Western Michigan University where he earned a master’s degree and stayed on as an instructor of art. Abshear is a painter, printmaker, book designer, and founder/director of the Kalamazoo Book Arts Center.
SDHC Collection, gift of Kenneth R. Carls and James A. Schmiechen
Accession number 2018.13.01Label
From “Seasons at the Lakeshore” at the History Center 2024-2025
Jeff Abshear
active artist
White Church
n.d. | oil on canvas
This contemporary view of Saugatuck’s Griffith and Mason Street neighborhood pairs well with the Robert Fort winter scene (circa 1940) to the right. This summer view looks up to the Hill district with the Methodist Church on the left.
California native Jeff Abshear moved to Michigan to attend Western Michigan University where he earned a master’s degree and stayed on as an instructor of art. Abshear is a painter, printmaker, book designer, and founder/director of the Kalamazoo Book Arts Center.
SDHC Collection
Gift of Kenneth R. Carls and James A. Schmiechen
Accession number 2018.13.01