BIOGRAPHY
Some study art, others practice it, and very few are given the gift of art. Born in Great Falls, Montana, Mary Michaels' ranching and traditional western background exposed her to the magic of living in the outdoors. Her uncanny eye for proportion was discovered at an early age when she would draw animals on any scrap of paper (or wall) that was handy.

After working at regular and varied jobs, raising two families (and working on the third), she realized her art was always there, and just needed to be brought to its fullest. Taking workshops from artists she admired, she found her true love in sculpting and jumped in full time as an artist.

 

Congratulations Mary! Winner of the artist choice award at the Western Heritage Artists Show, March 17-21. Photo Courtesy of the Great Falls Tribune

For more than a decade now, Michael has been producing bronze sculptures of increasing artistry and form. She was commissioned to do not one, but two monuments of Sacajawea for the Bicentennial of the Lewis and Clark journey. The realism and softness of her portrayal has been remarked on many times. Her bronzes have won many awards and she continues to be accepted into more and more prestigious shows. Michael currently lives in Bridger, Montana with her husband and youngest daughter.

"My talent is a gift from God and he wouldn't let me ignore it. I can't take credit for that; my job was to use it to its' full capacity. My family is my strength and my weakness."
MMichael

"I strive to preserve the memories and stories of times past and of happenings today."
MMichael

WHAT'S NEW WITH MARY:

I was hired by Montana Silversmiths to do some of their sculpting and be an artist consultant. It’s working out good and I’m able to continue my own work and shows.

I am a new member of Western Artists of America, going to the show in Corsicana, Texas March 29-30, 2012 at the Pearce Museum.

2010 I won Best Plains Wildlife Award with my buffalo bronze, When Grass was Free at the American Plains Artists Show in Lincoln, NE

2011 I won the Publishers Award with “Rebellion” at the American Plains Artists Show in Las Crucas, NM