Paint and Politics

London Free Press -- Neighbours 

Paint and Politics

Thursday, March 13, 2014

Jennifer Beiman

From school bus driver to artist, sustainability advocate to mayoral candidate, Jim Kogelheide is a man of many hats.

The Byron resident and mayoral hopeful is getting ready to showcase his art at an upcoming exhibition “Dreaming of a Better World” on March 22 at the Byron branch of the London Public Library.

Throughout his 18 years as an artist, Kogelheide has dabbled in a variety of mediums as diverse as himself.  He has tried it all from pen and ink to acrylic paint, paper collage and even needlepoint.

For Kogelheide, the exhibit is, “a walk down memory lane,” showcasing some of his earliest works as an artist.  The event is also an opportunity for him to meet members of his community and share his vision of environmental sustainability with the public.  “Every community around the planet is headed towards sustainability.  It is a movement that needs to happen on a global scale.  We’re just beginning the process,” he said.

Kogelheide is also bringing his vision of green urbanism to the mayoral race.  Since he began his campaign in late January, Kogelheide has been eager to share his platform and vision with London voters.  “The sooner I could get started the more events I could hold… and really get out there and meet the public as much as I can.”

Kogelheide, who has been living in Byron for five years, says the public support for his mayoral campaign has been overwhelming so far.  Recently, he reached out to David Suzuki, who commended him for his efforts to promote sustainability and wished him the best of luck on his mayoral campaign in a letter.

His upcoming art exhibition is one of several Kogelheide has planned for this spring and summer.

Regardless of the medium, artistic or otherwise, the eco-conscious artist and mayoral contender is passionate about spreading his message of environmental consciousness to others.

Jennifer Bieman

 At the art exhibition mentioned in this article, I was delighted

to meet up with two former Peacebus students and their mom!!!!!