The mural features angel wings over downtown Alpena. It is painted in such a way that visitors can stand in the center of the mural and appear that they have angel wings.

The 39-year-old artist enjoys creating his work. It takes his mind off his troubles and provides a sense of peace.

“It relieves a lot of stress,” Gannicus said. “It keeps my mind off of other things.”

He said art and music are his go-to stress relievers.

News Photo by Darby Hinkley Salem Gannicus paints part of the angel wings over Alpena in his mural located inside the All Saints Center of Charity in Alpena.

Gannicus moved up here two months ago, from Ann Arbor, and is currently staying at Sunrise Mission shelter.

Gannicus explained that he’s always wanted to paint this type of mural.

“It’s something new,” he said last week. “Something I’ve always wanted to do. I just want to get my art out there.”

He found inspiration from seeing all the other murals around Alpena.

“I walked around Alpena, and I’ve seen that they’ve got murals everywhere,” Gannicus said. “I just want to leave an impact.”

News Photo by Darby Hinkley Salem Gannicus drew this portrayal of a female warrior, one of many drawings in the booklet he carries with him.

He said he has painted a mural in downtown Ann Arbor in an alley full of murals.

Drawing and painting bring him a creative outlet to express himself, which gives him a sense of accomplishment and purpose.

“It’s time-consuming, but one thing I like about it is the dedication,” Gannicus said. “You just can’t rush through it … you’ve got to be precise.”

Gannicus was inspired to start drawing because his late father was an artist, too.

Center of Charity Director Christina Kihn said Gannicus has talent, and they are happy to help him share it with the community.

News Photo by Darby Hinkley Here is a colorful drawing of a fighter by Salem Gannicus, one of many in the booklet he carries with him.

“He showed us his booklet, and he also brought in pictures of his artwork on his phone, and they were just amazing,” Kihn said. “He does such a great job.”

She added that the Center of Charity staff and volunteers are helping Gannicus navigate through his housing situation, as well as providing an outlet for his creative talents.

“We’re hoping that he can follow his passion,” Kihn said. “Any help that we can give him, helping him get to his goal, is what we’re going to pursue.”

Kihn explained that the center is open for people to come in and create art that they hang on the walls inside the community room.

She hopes seeing the artwork of Gannicus on the wall will inspire others to use their own creativity, as well.

News Photo by Darby Hinkley Salem Gannicus puts a lot of detail and emotion into his drawings, as seen here with a two-faced man.

“Every day, individuals go through stress, throughout their day,” Kihn said. “We don’t know what their living conditions are. They’re not always homeless when they come in to see us … This is a safe space where they can sit and they know they’ll get encouragement, and that we’ll celebrate what they’re doing. They can really relax, and be themselves.”

She added that art is one way to relieve stress and brighten their day.

“Artwork seems to be a really good outlet for individuals to express their inner feelings,” Kihn said. “Life is so stressful. We’re here in order to help break down some of that stress, or at least take a breather for the day, or the week … You never know what a person is going through.”

She explained that the Center of Charity helps people navigate out of the issues they are currently facing, whether it be housing, domestic abuse, financial trouble, or other problems.

The Center of Charity is located at 322 W. Chisholm St. behind St. Bernard Church. Call 989-884-1060 for more information.

News Photo by Darby Hinkley This drawing by Salem Gannicus features half a scary face of a deranged doll, and half of a man’s face.

News Photo by Darby Hinkley Salem Gannicus is still working on the angel wings over Alpena mural inside the All Saints Center of Charity. When complete, the mural will feature many notable downtown buildings and the Alpena water tower.

News Photo by Darby Hinkley Salem Gannicus paints gold angel wings on his mural at the Center of Charity.