Mike Kilgore

Visual Art – New Orleans

I am an artist, writer and arts administrator from New Orleans. I graduated in 2002 from the University of New Orleans, studying fine art and business. In 2007, I received a master\'s degree in arts administration from UNO while completing my senior project in painting. I spent the last ten years developing my artistic vision, organizing independent art projects, creating pop-up art venues, working in galleries and non-profit institutions and developing my career in arts administration. I spent several years living and working in Austria and exhibiting my artwork in Austria and Croatia. I am a craftsperson who enjoys building furniture and other crafts, working construction and doing home improvement projects. I find beauty and inspiration in the materials and processes that I experience during these activities and I source my art materials almost exclusively from these projects. I participate in many causes from disaster relief, to church ministry to environmental activism and find the inspiration for my artwork, writing and career in serving the greater good, challenging society to higher standards, highlighting the plight of the oppressed and empowering others to do the same. I am active in the steampunk community, creating costumes, props and accessories and attending events and activities. I have exhibited my work at galleries and pop up exhibits in Austria, Croatiatia, Houston, New Orleans and other places. I have had many shows at Ariodante Gallery in New Orleans with my most recent exhibits at Hammond Regional Arts Center and St. Alphonsus Art and Cultural Center for Prospect_3.