On Independence Day MIchael tackled the subject of energy independence with an art installation at NYC's Washington Square Park. There he uveiled his paintings "Independence" and "Dependence" to the public to view and respond.

Michael's controversial painting "The Truth" became an international news story. The painting became the most emailed image on the internet. It was featured on The Glen Beck Show, Break Room Live with Mark Maron, The L.A. Times, The National Review, and many other publications and shows internationally.

Michael's his portrait of Ray Charles was recently auctioned for the charity organization Ability Beyond Disability in April benifitting individuals whose independent living skills are impaired by disability, illness or injury.

Above photos picture Michael's painting "...what I meant was..." displayed in Las Vegas and New York's Times Square.The center shot is Michael with with: Actor/ comedian Richard Belzer at a charity event in New York.