Our honorees for the evening are Jim & Carol Carter.

The Carters met as undergraduates at Michigan State University and married in 1971 during Jim’s medical school training. Carol began her elementary school teaching career before they moved to Kalamazoo in 1977. While Jim began his clinical practice, Carol was active raising two energetic boys, and volunteering at school, church, and the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra league. She also spent 22 years administering the Kalamazoo Community Foundation’s large scholarship program.

Jim had a clinical practice of Internal Medicine in Kalamazoo for 36 years, also serving as an Associate Professor and Program Director. His involvement with the KIA began shortly after returning to Kalamazoo, where he took photography, printing, and encaustic technique classes. He served on the Board of Directors of the KIA for 13 years, including as the board president. He began docent training at the KIA in 2013, has led numerous tours for KIA visitors, and presented ArtBreaks on topics ranging from the KIA’s centennial to Humor in Art.

The KIA has been an integral part of the Carter family for three generations. This has included KNAS youth camps and adult classes, Art Detectives, ArtBreaks, docent training, exhibition openings, and annual events. Jim and Carol undrestand the importance of art to the health of a community. Therefore, they gladly support the KIA with their time, talent, and resources.