Wyandotte Street Art Fair 2002 Exhibitor Directory

Artist Statement:
A native of Kalamazoo, Michigan, Michael started his working career early in life. He began in light construction work and learned his strict work ethics from his grandfather. After high school, where he majored in Graphic Arts, Michael worked in many fields, ending with over ten years in the molded plastics industry. At this point, he felt the need of a more creative environment. In 1992 while working with other artists doing custom woodworking and bronze casting, Michael took wheel-throwing classes at a community Art Institute in Birmingham, AI. His early pieces, in unglazed stoneware, focused on form and design. While attending art shows Michael noticed the dramatic effects that could be created by Raku firing.

The American adaptation of the ancient Japanese firing process full of spontaneity and danger, constantly challenges and inspires. In 1998, Michael attended the John C. Campbell Folk School in North Carolina taking a weeklong workshop in throwing large pots. Techniques learned there increased the size of Michael's work and he retrofitted his tallest kiln to accommodate these new heights. In 2002 Michael was awarded a Fellowship Grant by the Alabama State Council on the Arts. The monetary award acknowledges an artists' work and encourages them to expand on their talents. In January 2003 Michael scheduled two workshops focusing on teapot construction and glaze formulas. Michael currently resides in Birmingham, AI. where he and his wife, Tay, own Nunn-Perry Clay Studio.

During the year Michael exhibits his work at select art shows across the southeast and Mid West as well a select number of galleries.