Michele Oka Doner is an internationally renowned artist and author whose work spans five decades. Her artwork is fueled by a lifelong study and appreciation of the natural world, from which she derives her formal vocabulary. Her artistic production encompasses sculpture, public art, prints, drawings, functional objects, artist books, costume and set design, video and other media. She is well known for creating over 40 public and private permanent art installations, including “A Walk On The Beach,” the mile and a quarter long bronze and terrazzo concourse at Miami International Airport, seen by 40,000,000 travelers a year. She has authored or been the subject of eight books. Oka Doner has received grants from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the New York State Council of the Arts, the Samuel H. Kress Foundation and others; and many awards, including those given by the United Nations Society of Writers and Artists, Pratt Institute “Legends” and an Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Michigan (see picture, right), where she received her undergraduate and MFA degrees.

Her influences has been nature, muralist like Diego Rivera who produced life sized works. Those influences impacts her contemporary practice. During Master Drawings New York, Ms. Doner shared how she was able to fluidly move between genres which taking care of a family with passion. Staying true to her Florida upbringing and what matters to her keeps her going.