Michael K. Stark is an American artist who was active in the LA art scene in the 1990’s. During that period, his work was featured in 35 exhibitions in Southern California, 13 of which were solo shows, and 1 which lasted for 11 years at the Lunaria Jazz Bar in West LA. He then ceased creating art for 25 years because he had nothing more to say.
With the encouragement from family and friends, Michael decided to re-embark on his artistic journey in late 2021. Without knowing where to start, he sketched the $100 bill, which lead to creating over 300 pieces for the “Wall of $100’s.” Michael’s decision to debut his new work in Las Vegas was intentional, as he believes that Las Vegas is the world capital for what can be done with money.
With no formal training in art, the mantra of “Meaning Through Creating” inspires his efforts as an artist. Besides the “Wall of $100’s,” Michael has also created nearly 200 new works for his 2 other new series: the “Wall of Lottery Tickets,” and “Wall of Flags.” The theme of Michael’s art is about understanding one’s own evolving relationship with money, luck, and the American Dream – and how to manifest it.
EXHIBITIONS:
2023 “Wall of $100’s” -The Triple Crown Cigar Lounge @ Town Square, Las Vegas, NV (Solo Show)
2023 “Wall of $100’s” -Vintage Vegas, Las Vegas, NV (Solo Show)
2022-2023 “Wall of Flags and Lottery Tickets” -Horse Trailer Hideout, Las Vegas, NV
2022-2023 “Wall of $100’s” -Art Houz Theaters, Las Vegas, NV (Solo Show)
2023 “Wall of $100’s, Flags, and Lottery Tickets” -Enterprise Library Gallery, Las Vegas, NV (Solo Show)
2023 “Wall of $100’s” -ReBar, Las Vegas, NV (Solo Show)
2022 “Wall of $100’s” -Taverna Costera, Las Vegas, NV
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1994-2005 “Hall of Frame” -Lunaria Restaurant & Jazz Bar, West LA, CA (Solo Show)
2000 “Orange County Fine Arts” -City Hall of Fountain Valley, Fountain Valley, CA
1999 “Flags, Frames, & Fotos” -The Aliso Viejo Central Library, Aliso Viejo, CA
1999 “Summer Solstice” -Showcase North Gallery, Santa Ana, CA
1999 “Art @ The Cinema” -The Edwards Town Center Cinema, Santa Ana, CA (Solo Show)
1998-1999 “Show Near The Pier” -The Sol Grill Restaurant, Newport Beach, CA (Solo Show)
1998-1999 “In The Library” -Costa Mesa Library, Costa Mesa, CA (Solo Show)
1998 “Feel Good Art” -The Southwest Health Clinic, Costa Mesa, CA (Solo Show)
1998 “Art In Cafes: Scene 2” -The Alta Cafe, Newport Beach, CA (Solo Show)
1998 “Art In Cafes: Scene 1” -Rock N’ Java, Newport Beach, CA (Solo Show)
1998 “The Opening Show” -Showcase North Gallery, Santa Ana, CA
1998 “Featured Summer Artist” -The Laguna Beach Playhouse, Laguna Beach, CA (Solo Show)
1998 “Italy & America” -The South Coast Village Edwards Cinema, Costa Mesa, CA
1998 “Small Change” -The Regatta Cafe, Newport Beach, CA (Solo Show)
1997 “Annual Membership Show” -Costa Mesa Art League, Santa Ana, CA (Awarded Best Of Show)
1997 “The Keepsake Show” -The S.I.T.E. Gallery at the Brewery, Los Angeles, CA
1997 “Husband, Wife, & Brother” -Berri’s Cafe, West Hollywood, CA
1997 “Eye-Site” -The S.I.T.E. Gallery at the Brewery, Los Angeles, CA
1997 “Money On The Walls” -The Novel Cafe, Santa Monica, CA (Solo Show)
1997 “Blow Up” -The S.I.T.E. Gallery at the Brewery, Los Angeles, CA
1996 “International Art” -Epicurus, Santa Monica, CA
1996 “LA ArtSeen” -The William Morris Agency, Beverly Hills, CA
1996 “Pop Now” -Irvine Valley College, Irvine, CA
1995-1996 “Gourmet Money” -Cava Restaurant, Los Angeles, CA (Solo Show)
1995 “Border Line Art 2” -Border’s Bookstore, Westwood, CA(Solo Show)
1995 “The Art Of Money” -Newport Beach Central Library, Newport Beach, CA (Solo Show)
1995 “Border Line Art 1” -Border’s Bookstore, West Hollywood, CA (Solo Show)
1994 “Orange Pop” -Bistango Restaurant, Irvine, CA
1993 “Le Beau Salaud” -The Beverly Hills Playhouse, Beverly Hills, CA
1991 “S.I.T.E. Show” -The Roosevelt Building, Los Angeles, CA
1991 “New Works” -L.A.C.E., Los Angeles, CA
1991 “Works In Progress” -El Molino Gallery, Pasadena, CA
1991 “Up & Coming” -Old Town Gallery, Pasadena, CA
1991 “Spring Equinox” -Art & Barbee Gallery, Hollywood, CA
1991 “Members Only” -L.A. Art Association, Los Angeles, CA
AWARDS:
1997 “Best of Show” -Costa Mesa Art League, Annual Membership Show
1993 “Gold Medal Winner” -ART OF CALIFORNIA MAGAZINE, Discovery Awards