Fred Buyarski

Fred joined the NCAA in 2008. He has been on the NCAA Board of Officers & Directors since 2013 and currently serves as the association’s Treasurer. He is always at the ready to help with NCAA meetings and events.

"Distinctively Uncluttered"
Big Bay de Noc & Limestone Bluffs at Fayette, Michigan, as viewed through the warehouse ruins of a once bustling town

He knows where the yoopers and the trolls live — Ya, you betcha!
Fred is a native of Menominee, Michigan, located in the state's Upper Peninsula along the shores of Green Bay. Fred has always had a creative and curious nature. As a kid, he spent a fair amount of time at the city's marina and on the water whenever he could. He liked drawing ships and sailing and exploring in the woods that surrounded his home. He grew up in an era where men didn't own things they couldn't fix, so he worked alongside his dad from a very early age and learned how to hunt, garden, build, pound nails, paint, repair; and his desire to learn continues to this day. At home, he is a wrench! The Dude can fix anything!

You know him as Fred, but you may not know that he is also a musician, and that his art interests began in 1970, the year he graduated from high school and enlisted in the US Army as an Infantryman.

He started in photography and taught himself the ins and outs of taking a good picture, mostly by experimentation. This, while also serving his first enlistment (1970-1974) that included a 16-month tour of duty in Vietnam. When his service period ended, Fred joined the Army Reserves as an Infantryman and, when needed, was the Public Affairs Office photographer. In 1975, Fred decided to further his art education. He earned an Associate of Arts degree from Oakland Community College and received a scholarship to Wayne State University (Detroit) where he earned a BFA in Art and Photography.

As part of an art program, Fred learned print film developing, design, and worked with 8mm and 16mm motion picture film, as well as other art mediums including architecture, drawing, art history, printmaking (both intaglio & silk screen), watercolor painting, non-figurative sculpture, and experimental photography. His favorite medium is pen & ink drawing.

In 1984, Fred wanted to serve his country again and returned to active-duty status. He retired from Ft. McPherson in 2006 as a Master Sergeant with nearly 36 years combined service (active and reserve) and numerous military awards. He is a soldier in the full and true sense of the word.

Fred has three children. His oldest daughter, Sharonda, is an artist (painting) and member of the NCAA. His younger brother, Herb, is also an artist (painting) and member of the NCAA.