Granholm Portrait Depicts Hope For Michigan Future
LANSING (WWJ)- A portrait of former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm has joined those of other past governors at the Capitol.
WWJ Lansing Bureau Chief Tim Skubick, who attended the portrait unveiling ceremony Friday, said the Granholm administration attended to celebrate the painting, which includes a lot of symbolism: a wind turbine; a picture of Granholm's family; the old Ford Rouge Plant, to represent Michigan's old economy; the Spirit of Detroit statue, and a miniature Chevy Volt.
"And the Governor's standing, not looking at the person who's doing the portrait, but looking out into the future. She said the symbolism is Michigan's future is only going to get better," said Skubick.
Also attending the unveiling was current Governor Rick Snyder.
"He was very gracious... acknowledging that many of the policies that she established are going to eventually bare economic fruit. They've got a good working relationship," Skubick said.
So was it intimidating putting Governor Granholm on canvas? WWJ spoke with Ferndale artist Charles Pompilius.
"She made it easy because she's just such an approachable person -- down to earth and easy to talk to. That part of it wasn't difficult at all," he said.
Pompilius said the Governor was his most famous subject, and she seemed very happy with the likeness.
Granholm, a Democrat, was Michigan's first elected female governor, serving from 2003 through 2010.
The portrait project and ceremony were funded by a bipartisan nonprofit foundation.
