Mike has been with the Life Enrichment team at Valle Verde for eight years. Last year, Mike participated in the first ever team member art show hosted by Art From the Heart. His paintings were titled H2O, displaying beautiful landscapes featuring water. This year, residents encouraged Mike and other Valle Verde team members to submit paintings for a joint exhibit. As a result, their artwork is currently showing in the Santa Barbara Room. This rewarding support and inspiring teamwork is why Mike says Valle Verde is the best job he's ever had!
Mike has been drawing since he was young, and credits his mother for encouraging him. He paints with acrylics on wood panels that he covers with gesso, saying it makes the color pop and the wood panels eliminate the need to frame the works. To Mike, painting is a completely relaxing activity. It takes about 10-12 hours to finish a painting since he uses a very small brush for extra detail. His favorite painting in the exhibit is an idyllic sunset he calls Tranquility.
