2 September, 2023

Mike and Debbie at UptoYouGreatLiving.com

Meet Mike Aubin…

Today, we get to meet a lifelong Yooper who has made a name for himself in the local art community. Mike Aubin was born and raised in Laurium, graduating from our local Calumet High School in 1978.

Mike has worn many hats and worked at many different jobs before deciding to get his teaching degree in 2000 at the age of 40. He’s an inspiration to all of us, proving that we can pursue our dreams at every stage of our lives and change course as desired.

A Teacher

Mike first started teaching a small rural school in Winona — Elm River Township School — where he taught all grades from Kindergarten through sixth grade! He then went to Baraga where he taught Kindergarten, third, and fifth grades. He retired in 2020. Knowing his sense of humor and dynamic personality as I do, I’m sure there were plenty of heartbroken students when he left.

Mike continued working after retirement, first as a paraprofessional in Hancock Elementary School and currently at Torch Lake Federal Credit Union. However, Mike has a rich extra-curricular life as well…

A Theater Aficionado

Mike is an avid theater fan…and performer. In 1979, a group of actors organized the Calumet Players. The group has performed plays at the Calumet Theater since that time, but Mike is the only original Calumet Player left.

Mike has been in a number of productions and musicals since the group’s inception. He’s currently in the production of The Addams Family, in which he’ll play Fester.

He’s also directed a multitude of plays and musicals for the Players, as well as for Hancock, Houghton, and Calumet Schools. Ironically, Mike directed the senior play for Calumet High School when I was a senior!

A Husband, Father, and Grandfather

Mike and his wonderful wife, Debbie, have just celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. Together, they have two children, Andrew and Erin, and two super grandchildren, Evelyn and Solomon.

A Local Artist

Theater is a passion of Mike’s. But he also loves reading, writing, crocheting, and — lately — painting. He began painting last year, though he’s always been creative with drawing. Before plunging in, he admits he was intimidated by thought of putting brush to canvas.

Now that Mike has taken off with his painting, he’s found a way to relax while expressing himself. Last year, he sold his first painting, a watercolor. He works mostly with acrylics now, but he’ll still dabble in watercolor once in a while.

Mike’s art is inspired by so many things. The seasons definitely influence his work. WIth fall approaching, he’ll start to work on autumn and winter paintings and even begin to paint Christmas themes. He’s already been asked to do some commissioned pieces, a challenging endeavor that he enjoys.

And A Born Yooper

Mike grew up in Laurium, and he loves the small town feel of our area. He says, “(He loves)… the sense of community and knowing that the people in this area will help in anyway they can.” He also enjoys the history of our area.

Like many Yoopers, he doesn’t love the winters. Though he doesn’t mind the cold, he hates having to deal with the snow. “I’m grateful that I don’t have to drive 80 miles a day as I did during my teaching career.”

How Can You Get Mike’s Artwork?

If you’re interested in buying and viewing more of Mike’s amazing artwork, you can look for his site on facebook, “Art by Mike.” You can also email him at mraubin0872@gmail or call (906) 337-0872 or (906) 369-0872.

More Artwork

Thank You

Mike (My Mike) and I would like to thank Mike Aubin for being so gracious with his time. We’d also like to thank you, Readers, for your time as well. Happy Labor Day Weekend!