The Last Waltz
Paintings and Drawings by Michael Schliefke
May 30 – June 13
Opening Receptions –
Friday, May 30 6:00 pm-10 pm
Work will be on display through June 13
Austin Chronicle Show Writeup and Interview
Blue Genie Art Industries
916 Springdale, Building 4
Austin, Texas 78702
Blue Genie Art will be hosting a show of new paintings and drawings alongside some other recent works by painter Michael Schliefke. This will be the last show in Austin for a while, as Michael is leaving Austin to continue his painting career in the dynamic Kansas City art scene, which has blossomed since his undergrad days at the Kansas City Art Institute. He will be moving with his girlfriend Elizabeth who will be pursuing a graduate degree in Missouri as well.
Michael Schliefke is a self employed artist living in Austin since 2002. Over the years, he has shown work in various venues and shows throughout the city. Michael has worked alongside artists at Blue Genie and Big Medium. He has put together a variety of large group shows in Austin, including 2005’s Unicorn Art Show, Gallery Lombardi’s ‘Radical Nautical’ in 2007, ‘Biblical Proportions’, a two gallery show in 2009. Along with Ian Shults, Michael put together the ‘Blue Genie Danger Derby’ that has been the closing event of the past two East Austin Studio Tours. During a three year sabbatical from painting from 2007-2010, he wrote, created, and drew the ‘Really White Vigilante’ comic book series, which delivered a satiric look at the politics of the gentrification of East Austin. He also teaches painting and drawing classes from his studio inside Blue Genie Art.
Michael holds a BFA in painting from the 129 year old Kansas City Art Institute, and originally hails from Schenectady, New York. Before arriving in Austin, he lived and worked in Massachusetts and Ireland.