By Angela Romeo
Christopher Michael cuts a very colorful figure – a ready smile and wild glasses makes him easy to spot in a crowded room. It seems fitting that Christopher would be invited by Jeff Wolter of The NestEggg Group for a solo exhibition with proceeds benefitting The LGBT Center of Palm Springs.
Christopher’s artwork will be featured at The NestEggg offices located at 320 North Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. The exhibition opens on February 26 with a reception from 5:30 pm to 8 pm. “A portion of the sales will benefit The Center, a nonprofit serving the local LGBT community. The NestEggg Group will match a portion of sales to further help The Center,” said Christopher.
“I have been painting for many years, but my style and focus continue to change. My early work could be considered mix media. But I am now fascinated with using paint as my only medium. I began with portraits, still lifes and ballerinas. I enjoy the color and my work has the feel of Impressionist or Post–Impression art. I do not, however, consider myself to be a painter in either style. My technique is not as free as either genre, but it is no less impactful. I have strong opinions and strong views. My work is a reflection of me so, while I may admire another’s work, it will always be my work,” continued Christopher.
“I am also part of very special community in Palm Springs. As an older gay man, I know that there are few venues that are attuned to the special needs of this age group. Many of us have lost partners and spouses. We are not part of the party scene. But we are not dead! We still have much to offer the LGBT and Coachella Valley communities. The Center gives us a haven. It provides socialization and activities for this seasoned group. The Center also offers mental health assistance and a much needed food bank. The Center provides a safe and supportive environment for its members. While some may ask why The Center, it is not as large as DAP, its importance to the older LGBT community cannot be dismissed.”
“With its move to its new location at 1301 North Palm Canyon in Palm Springs, it is important to me to help The Center reach its financial goal of a little over $3 million. I am a member of The Center’s target group and I benefit from all The Center offers. When Jeff provided this opportunity, a solo show of my work, I knew whom I wanted to help, The Center. The offer of NestEggg to match proceeds of the sales cemented what I felt, that this was the right place and the right time for me and my work.
Christopher continued, “This will be the largest collection of my work to ever be shown. It was a challenge for me as an artist to create such a body of work. It forced me to let loose and experiment more with this new direction. This has been a challenge for me but challenges are what make life fun. With this collection I hope that people will not only enjoy my art but also purchase the work to help provide The Center with needed funds. Art has always been supportive of nonprofits. The Coachella Valley is known for its generosity. My art and NestEggg’s patronage will allow The Center to continue to do good work.”
Christopher Michael’s solo show open on February 26, with a reception from 5:30 pm to 8 pm at The NestEggg, 320 North Palm Canyon, Palm Springs. For more information about The LGBT Center visit thecenterps.org.
