World renowned artist opens studio in Grand Rapids' live/work Martineau Apartments

Grand Rapids' Avenue for the Arts has a new contributor to the local arts scene -- one whose work is enjoyed by sports fans around the world.

Michael J. Taylor recently moved into studio live/work space in the Martineau Apartments at 126 S. Division, the space formerly occupied by Imagination Creations. Taylor -- known for his fine art collectibles and NBA trading cards of an impressive lineup of famous athletes, including Larry Bird, Darryl Strawberry, Yogi Berra and Johnny Bench -- has created game-day covers for the L.A. Lakers, the Army/Navy Game, Clemson University and others.

Taylor, 60, set up his 1,200-square-foot studio/apartment with a working art studio that fronts along the sidewalk on S. Division Avenue, where passersby can watch him as he creates. He says his journey has taken him from a Ferris State University graphic arts degree to 12 years at the Perry Ballard Advertising Agency in St. Joseph to working with famous athletes and even entertainment superstars like Ringo Starr and Yoko Ono.

"I've made money, lost money, made money," Taylor says. "I don't even have business cards, so you can't really say I'm a businessman. It's really tough, but what's so beautiful about this place is I can pull back the blinds and let people on the street watch me create."

Taylor describes himself as a "complete free spirit," with a passion to give back to the community. He struggles daily with mental health challenges, but says these don't keep him down for long.

Taylor says he's exploring a number of future art projects he finds inspiring, including participating in Mary Mitchell's community art project Korye-United for ArtPrize 2011, illustrating a children's book and creating his own ArtPrize 2011 entry entitled "Here there and everywhere," described as "a whimsical portrayal of what it would be like if the Beatles visited Grand Rapids."

Source: Michael J. Taylor, artist; Anne Marie Bessette, Grand Rapids Downtown Development Authority
Writer: Deborah Johnson Wood, Development News Editor