"Belonging" Painting

Michael O'Donnell is an abstract painter whose work focuses primarily on the movement of color in expressing emotion. In 2009, Michael founded Polishing Copper Studios in the hopes of creating a space for artists to thrive through educational opportunities, artist training, collaboration, and creation. In 2014 Michael was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Since then, his work has taken a new approach toward exploring color and space as he has moved through various stages of healing. Michael spent 13 years as a classroom teacher, teaching high school English in Columbus, Ohio, and then in Denver, Colorado. Through his experiences as a teacher, Michael has learned more about the importance of art education, and the cruciality of developing artists. His work has appeared in numerous shows and gallery exhibitions, and is part of several private collections. He hopes that his work gives a voice to those who suffer through the effects of trauma, and that it provides an invitation for conversations that facilitate and further healing.