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Meet our April Members of the Month: Ernie and Michael McIntyre

Now 16, Michael has been taking classes at the Fine Arts Center’s Bemis School of Art since he was 7 years old. He focuses mainly on Anime and Manga drawing and aspires to have a career in the arts. Here, Ernie talks about how his grandson got involved with the FAC and became members.

Why did you become a member of the FAC? 

We realized Michael had a great talent for drawing and wanted him to develop his skills further. We also wanted him to learn to appreciate the abilities of others and learn as much as possible about art in general.

When did your interest in the arts begin? 

Michael’s interest in the arts began at an early age. He has been studying the piano for eight years and began taking classes at Bemis at the same time.

What has been one of your favorite plays, classes or exhibits at the FAC? 

Michael’s favorite class has been the Anime drawing class with instructor Nancy Fraser-Coco. She introduced him to it and encouraged him to learn more about art in general. Our family had tried for years to tell Michael he had talent, but she was the first to honestly make him realize it. He usually requests to take her classes.

Nancy Fraser-Coco takes them through the Fine Arts Center on a regular basis to show them different techniques. Michael’s favorite exhibit was Chihuly Rediscovered (2014).

What else do you like to do for fun in Colorado Springs? 

Church activities, bowling, bicycle riding, video games and just hanging out with friends.

Check out the video below where Michael and Ernie, along with Bemis instructor Nancy Fraser-Coco, discuss Michael’s artistic growth here at the FAC.