Michael received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Ball State University in 2003. Upon graduation he held a variety of jobs in a direct care capacity working with “at-risk” youth, adults with mental illnesses and preschoolers with special needs. During this time he continued to draw and paint, exhibiting works on a local and regional level. In 2008 Michael attended graduate school at Miami University where he received a teaching assistantship and was presented with the Graduate Student Achievement Award for outstanding achievement in research and creative activity. At Miami, Michael began combining his interest in mental health with his artistic endeavors creating a narrative body of work. Since graduating he has continued painting and drawing and has exhibited his work in multiple national and international shows.  Michael is a recipient of the Ohio Arts Council’s Individual Excellence Award which is given for his outstanding accomplishments in painting. He has previously taught at the Columbus College of Art & Design, where he was twice nominated for the Columbus College of Art & Design’s Teaching Excellence Award. He also chaired the art department and managed the art gallery at Bethel University, in Mishawaka, Indiana. Currently, Michael is Assistant Professor of drawing and painting at Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina.