Mike Filan

“I want to paint. I want to paint!”. After veering away from a fine arts career path, Michael’s inner voice kept nagging at him. So, he began with a class at the Art Students League. In our conversation, Michael offers practical advice about following your inner promptings. Michael was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York and was introduced to the art-making process by his two grandfathers: one was a carpenter and the other a dressmaker. They both took Michael to museums where they would draw together. They both dreamed of being artists and they passed that dream onto him. Michael’s grandfathers also impressed him with the importance of service and giving back to the community. Along with being a Visual Artist, Michael continues to explore all creative aspects of himself as an Art Educator, a Coach and Trainer. Michael’s sense of purpose is expressed through all these experiences.