Middle Grade
Reader Spotlight
Every month we'll highlight a reader in the Great Lakes Bay region and learn more about them, their work, and their reading life. We'll also discuss books and share a conversation about their journey.
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Read on to learn more about Donna Branch-Cottrell shown here with her husband and partner, Larsen Cottrell in Gingerblue Gallery in Old Town Saginaw.
Where are you from? Where do you live?
I was born and raised in Saginaw. When I moved to San Francisco, I studied production and broadcasting of radio and television. I’ve lived in California and had a career in radio and television.
You own Gingerblue Gallery in Old Town Saginaw. What was the path that led you to open it?
Larsen Cottrell is my husband and partner in the restoration project of the Graebner Building. We purchased the building in 2007 and started the process of our restoring and updating the whole building. When we finally got to the 124 north Michigan space, my son, Buck Tyler Arnold, who is an artist in Los Angeles, helped us design the space for an art gallery. Saginaw didn’t have a proper gallery at the time, and I’ve always wanted a place to showcase our amazing talent in Saginaw, artists around Michigan and artists I’ve met in other countries.
I'm very excited for one aspect of the space - books! Why did you decide books would be a good addition to the gallery?
Living in Los Angeles, I see that bookstores are really popular and having a combination art space and bookstore would be a wonderful addition to Saginaw. Two of my favorite things together.
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How have art and books played a role in your life?
I started to appreciate art through my older sister. She used to take me in the car on weekends and we’d drive to places she’d like to paint. I’d sit with her and we’d play the radio listening to Motown music and I’d just listen and observe. She taught me about painting, music and poetry. I’ve always loved going to museums and old bookstores when I traveled.
One of my favorite books is The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton.
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What's your favorite thing about Saginaw?
The community. There is such a strong supportive group of people there that you instantly get to know like family. We work together to make Old Town a thriving place for everyone to enjoy.
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To find out more about the gallery, visit the website or follow Gingerblue Gallery on Facebook or Instagram.
