Karl Wegener has had trials and tribulations both good and bad.

From these, he has not only recreated every piece of art he's made, but he's also learned from each experience.

Opening today in the Kresge Art Center's Gallery 114 is Karl Wegener's exhibit of creative works ranging in every medium from illustrations to photography.

"The cartoons (also dubbed Karltoons) are the most fun," Wegener said. "I enjoy whatever I can do with my hands."

Wegener's exhibit is candy for the eye - flashy fashion designs jump off one wall, cameo photographs of his son and inspiration, Samuel Wegener, greet you with innocent, childish smiles from another wall. Still-life pencil drawings overtake the back wall and the humorous Karltoons sit in the front of the room.

"Most of the stuff in here is lighthearted and fun and not as serious as some of the other exhibits that have been in here," Wegener said.

Wegener said he credits staying in touch with his "inner-kid" is what keeps him going.

"I will sit down with a blank piece of paper," Wegener said. "It doesn't stay blank very long."

Wegener said he grew up around East Lansing and has been a part of the community since the 1970s when he and his friends would frequent MSU sporting events.

But it was 1985, the year Wegener relocated to Flint, when disaster struck.

He woke up one morning to find water had flooded his ground-level apartment, destroying almost all of his art, which was stored in a drawer near the floor.

"It was shocking at first, but it was a learning experience," Wegener said. "Art, being a part of my life, it told me and encouraged me to keep at it."