04 Sep Local FAC Artist Michael Meissner Hits the Road
Michael Meissner is a local artist who made the decision to hit the road with his talent; living the nomadic lifestyle while touring the country with his family and creating work. He has been featured in the Arts in the Heart of Augusta Festival as a Fine Arts and Crafts Market Artist in year’s past and will be back at booth 806 again for 2024. Though we have many amazing local, regional and national talents coming to the festival this year, Michael’s unique story caught our attention. Michael’s art story is one of passion, resilience, and an unyielding love for the beauty of the American landscape. From an early age, Michael was encouraged by his mother to explore his creativity, leading him to develop a lifelong love for painting. His subjects range from serene landscapes and vibrant wildlife to evocative portraits and local landmarks, each piece reflecting his deep connection to his surroundings.
Michael’s formal training in graphic design provided a steady career, but his heart has always been in painting. For years, he balanced both, using his design skills to “pay the bills” while continually honing his craft as a painter. But three years ago, life took a dramatic turn when a fire destroyed his home in Appling, Georgia. The loss was profound, but rather than being defeated, Michael and his family focused on what truly mattered. Which meant each other and the things they loved.
After rebuilding their perfect farmhouse, complete with a studio, it became clear that their possessions were just that, things. The desire for comfort faded, replaced by a deeper appreciation for life’s simple pleasures. The art continued to flow, but with a new purpose. When an unexpected offer came to buy their farm, the path forward became clear. Michael and his family decided to embrace a life of adventure, selling everything to travel the country full-time.
Now, Michael’s canvas is as vast as the open road. He’s taken his art on a journey, showcasing his work at art festivals from coast to coast. This summer, he delighted in the western landscapes that inspire much of his work, and now he’s returning to the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) for beloved events like “Aikens’ Makin” and “Arts in the Heart” in Augusta, Georgia.
The annual Arts in the Heart of Augusta Festival, running from September 20-22, 2024 is a highlight of Michael’s schedule. This renowned festival, which draws over 100,000 attendees, is a celebration of the arts in Georgia and beyond, features more than 150 juried fine arts and crafts artists. Michael will be among them again this year, painting live and engaging with festival-goers.
For Michael, painting live at these festivals is a unique joy. He relishes the opportunity to connect with people as they watch his creative process unfold. Though his studio is now the open road, he’s found that there’s always space to paint, no matter where he is. The key is preparation. Keeping a stock of supplies on hand, especially when venturing into smaller towns where art materials might be scarce, is essential.
Michael’s art and travels are documented on Instagram and Facebook @meissnerfineart, where he shares not only his paintings but also the breathtaking beauty of the landscapes that inspire him. His website, www.meissnerfineart.com, provides a schedule of his upcoming shows, ensuring fans can follow his journey across this vast, diverse, and exceptionally beautiful country. Find him in booth 806 at this year’s Arts in the Heart of Augusta Festival.
His brick-and-mortar studio may be gone, but for Michael, the world is now his studio, and every stop along the way is another canvas waiting to be painted.
