ACWC JULY EXHIBIT: 2024 FEATURED CHALK ARTIST MICHAEL THOMPSON
The ACWC is pleased to feature the work of Michael Thompson, the 2024 featured chalk artist at Perry’s 18th Annual Chalk Art Festival. Thompson’s work will be displayed in the ACWC’s second-floor gallery this summer in an exhibit from July 5 through 26. Michael Thompson is a recently retired VW mechanic who fell in love with making art in the first grade. However, his elementary school clay pot and papier-mache projects did not lead to the artistic progress he desired. Then, a chance happening upon a used Jon Nagy drawing lesson book at a rummage sale opened the doors for Mike to understand the fundamentals of drawing. Mike began drawing more, but it wasn’t until his wife Wendy signed him up for a chalk-drawing event in Lockport that he started working with colors. That experience led Mike to start painting. Starting small, with basic subjects, he experimented with various mediums and techniques. Oils are his current favorite, but he is comfortable with acrylics, watercolors, and, most recently, gouache. Mike intends to continue with chalk as long as his mechanic-worn body holds up. We look forward to welcoming everyone to see this exhibition, especially during the Chalk Art Festival.