Class of 1991
BFA in Art and Design (printmaking and drawing); MFA in Printmaking from University of Iowa
Profession: Professor and Printmaker
Location: Dekalb, IL
www.michaelbarnes.us

"Alma College was the perfect size program for me, as it offered a close working relationship with the faculty and the guidance and attention I was seeking.  This is exactly what I needed at this time in my life, as I would have been lost at a larger university program.  The devotion and guidance of all the faculty I worked with at Alma fostered a sincere dedication and passion for my own artwork and career as a professional artist. As practicing artists themselves, the faculty served as ideal role models.  I learned a great deal purely by watching them work and exhibit their work. They were passionate about their own careers as artists in addition to their teaching, which truly inspired me to pursue the path I did - artist and teacher/professor.

"The faculty at Alma rigorously challenged us, not only in our classwork, but also in our professional development.  We were required to enter exhibitions and develop the professional skills required to continue in the fields we chose.  I have repeatedly realized the importance of this experience as I continued in my studies and in teaching.  Alma prepared me exceedingly better than many individuals I have worked with over the years who came from other schools.

"I continued my studies at the University of Iowa, completed my M.F.A. in Printmaking in 1996.  In my studies I sought to pursue a career in the arts and to also teach at the college level.  Upon completion of my M.F.A. I taught for two years at Pasadena City College in California and since 1998 I have taught at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, where I am currently an Associate Professor and the head of the Printmaking program.  I have also been very successful in my professional studio art practice.  I continue to exhibit my work in galleries and venues nationally and internationally and have work in many prominent collections.

"I quite honestly feel that I would not be where I am today if it were not for the experience I acquired at Alma College."