Michael Gore

Born in Chicago, 1954, Michael's formal art education includes the University of Illinois, Champaign, Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia, PA, and Tyler's school in Rome, Italy. While living in Italy in the mid 1970s, he began to collaborate with master artisans of the Venetian tradition. Renowned Venetian fabric designer, Pupa Riolfo, has mentored Michael over the last 30 years in fabric design. He continues to work with the master glass blowers and artisans of Anfora Furnace of Murano. Working in both traditional and contemporary Venetian techniques, he collaborates with these exceptional artisans. Returning to Venice, Italy, many times each year, Michael creates unique Judaica including mezuzot, yads, kiddush cups, dreidles and shofars, as well as mainstream items such as bowls and sculptures. In the United States he concentrates on fused glass techniques which he executes locally and these may include tile pieces, tableware, windows, jewelry, etc., and both design and create interior settings for homes and places of worship. His artistic energies are focused on Judaic art and design, devoted to the creation of elegant objects of Jewish ritual and symbolism for both home and synagogues.