Born 1978, Buenos Aires, Argentina
An intimate connection to a work of art can be much like a relationship with an old car, at least for Santiago
Michalek. The artist, who previously owned a business restoring vintage Volkswagen bugs and buses, is fascinated
by the emotional attachment and nostalgia that we often place on old vehicles. His first career found him
connecting with people over stories and experiences with cars in his shop. His current work as a painter does the
same; except instead of using wrenches and welders, he’s switched to paint and canvas to revive the narratives
that exist under rusted metal frames and worn out engines. “I’ve heard such intimate stories and memories while
working on these cars,” says Michalek. “And I’ve realized the same connections are now happening through my
paintings.”
MUSEUM EXHIBITIONS
Rendevous Royale, Buffalo Bills Center of The West, Cody, Wyoming – 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022
Springville Museum of Art, Spring Salon, Springville, Utah, – 2010, 2011, 2013, 2023
Springville Museum of Art, Spiritual and Religious Art, Springville, Utah – 2012
Logan Fine Art Salon, Logan, Utah – 2011
SOLO EXHIBITIONS
Meyer Gallery – Feb & Dec 2022
“Nostalgia” Meyer Gallery – Dec 2020
“Rustic Metal” Meyer Gallery – Dec 2019
“Wanderlust” Meyer Gallery – Dec 2018
“Collective” Meyer Gallery – Dec 2017
“Automation” Meyer Gallery – Dec 2016
Blue Rain Gallery – May 2016
“Collective” Meyer Gallery – November 2015
“Road Trip” Meyer Gallery – November 2014
“Combustion” Meyer Gallery – December 2013
“Rust” Meyer Gallery – September 2012
“Kleinbus Series” Meyer Gallery – July 2011
Meyer Gallery – January 2010
PUBLICATIONS
Fine Art Connoisseur Magazine – “Visit 100 Artists’ Studios,” Feb 2019
Fine Art Connoisseur Magazine – Featured Artwork, Dec 2017
Fine Art Connoisseur Magazine – “Ways to Travel,” June 2016
Vail Daily – July 2013
Daily Herald – “Train Steam Engine”, April 2013
Artistic Excellence – Nov 2012
DAS Auto Magazine, January 2012
Goncourt Brothers, A Critical Catalougue of the 86 th Annual Spring Salon, 2010
Provo Orem Word, July 2010 issue 6
Deseret News, Oct 2009
AWARDS
Buffalo Bill Center Of The West, Spirit Of The Buffalo Bill Art Show Grand Prize, 2018
Calgary Stampede, Best of Show/Best New Artist, 2017
Sausalito Arts Festival, Best In Show, 2015
ArtPrize, People’s Choice – Top 25, 2013
Springville Museum of Art, Spring Salon, Award of Merit, 2010, 2011, 2013
Southwest Art Magazine, Artistic Excellence Competition, 2 nd Place, December 2012
Sausalito Arts Festival, 2 nd Place Painting, 2012
Logan Fine Art Salon, Honorable Mention, 2011
Artist’s Magazine, 28 th Annual Artist Magazine Competition, December 2011
Southwest Art Magazine, 21 Over 31, November 2010
