The latest display of new paintings by Michael Schliefke will be on display at the Gallery at Bolm Studios from April 17 - May 7, 2006. There will be a gala opening reception with the artist on Friday, April 21st from 6-11. There will also be a smaller closing reception on Saturday, May 6th from 6-10.

The paintings in this show, which will feature over twenty new works on canvas, will revolve around the central theme suggested in the show’s title, “What if we could get it all back?”. The work will demonstrate the artist’s continued explorations of the American society, its Dream and the shortcomings and failed aspirations as the country finds itself twisting down a slippery spiral of constant war, an uncaring government, and a society built upon pop culture and an apathy that has largely ignored larger social systems – health, politics, race and the personal interrelationships that develop in a healthier society.

The show features twenty four new works of oil on canvas that develop and expand upon Michael's established themes of love, lost innocence and lined with humor and social commentary.  The artist will be in attendance for the opening reception on April 21, and will hold an artist talk and take questions at a separate art talk event on Thursday, April, 27. 

This will be the sixth solo show of new work from Michael since arriving in Austin in June of 2002. Last August Michael unveiled twenty new works in the Hopeless Romance show held in Austin's Hyde Park neighborhood. This show marks the first solo show Michael has had at his home gallery at Bolm Studios since June 2003 when 'Cool Struttin' opened to the public.

In the meantime, Michael has collaborated with Ian Shults to produce the large and successful 'Will There Ever be a Rainbow' unicorn art show in November of 2005. The unicorn art show was recently topped the ten best list of group shows in the Austin Chronicle (see story here). In the past year, Michael has continued to paint full time without holding a full or part time job and has also participated in the two biggest events in East Austin - the annual EAST studio tour and the Blue Genie Christmas Bazaar.