Farewell to My Friend Michael Powell

Michael Powell will always hold a special place in my heart. It seems like yesterday when I made the frantic call. I missed the registration deadline for Michael’s art class at my son’s elementary school. In his cool and calm manner, he assured me that my son, Sean Young, can still take private lessons at his art studio. As I registered Sean, I mumbled that someday when I’m old and retired, I will take an art class. Then I realized there was no better time than right here and right now, so I joined my 8 years old son at “The Artist’s Touch”. Soon, my son’s talents soared to new heights with his American Eagle painting. A copy of that painting made it to the School Principal’s office, the mayor’s office, the California governor’s office, and even the President’s office. It was a very proud experience for Sean and Michael.
When I sat 20 years ago with Sean and the other kids in his art class, I had no confidence or vision of seeing myself as an artist. Michael and his co-owner, the talented Norma Sue Fairbank, guided all of us step-by-step. Michael, who saw the potential in every person, encouraged me and those young budding artists.
I recall how I couldn’t even see myself painting larger than 8 x 10, so a 16 x 20 canvas was an inconceivable idea for me at that time. I couldn’t see myself painting that big! Michael smiled and said to me, “sure you can!” With the always-positive Michael, there was no room for such limiting thoughts.
“Let’s make it happen”, “Amp up your art”, “If you can see it, you can draw it”, “Do the things you love”, and “Do what makes you happy” were some of his favorite catchphrases.
In 2018, I participated with other artists from The Santa Clarita Artist Association in the Old Town Newhall Chalk Festival, next to Michael’s chalk art. My chalk painting “Starry Night” by Van Gogh was 12 feet by 12 feet. How’s that for going big?!
Michael passed away last December after a long battle with diabetes. He was an accomplished bass player in many bands as well as a talented artist who painted portraits in acrylics and oil. Through his passion for the two universal languages, art and music, Michael conveyed his emotions and connection to people of all ages. Thanks to his love for teaching art to the next generation of artists, the ARTree was flourishing. Everyone could feel his energy, and all were uplifted and invigorated by being with him.
I am an artist, thanks to Michael. It was that one moment of deciding to join his art class that changed everything. A single chance encounter, serendipity if you will, opened a door for me to such amazing possibilities as an artist. Everyone needs an inspiring mentor to believe in them and keep them from limiting themselves. When Michael came to my art exhibits shown in our city’s galleries, it came full circle for me. I always told him how grateful and blessed I was to have him as my art teacher and mentor, and how he believed in me when I didn’t have the confidence to believe in myself. Thank you, Michael, for enriching so many lives in your magical, unique, and quiet way. By leaving such a legacy with many artists in our city, we keep your memory alive.
I bid you farewell, Michael. I know you’re up there painting and jamming, inspiring some angels to accompany you on your new journey. Surely, you’re ascending with your beautiful art and music to the high heavens. Do what makes you happy, my dear friend. 

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