Michael Green
Instructor
Born and raised in Ogden, Utah, Michael Green has been interested in art and science his whole life. As a young man, he studied molecular and genetic biology at the University of Utah. He also began experimenting with glass art during his college years. Later, he worked as a carpenter and home builder. During one building project, a friend asked him to design some special windows. Mike really enjoyed the project and his friend was thrilled with the final product. Word spread, new jobs came in, and suddenly he was creating with glass all the time! He joined a nonprofit called Artspace and started a glass studio, where he worked for 22 years.
Mike remembers the first time he was captivated by glass design. His family attended Holy Trinity Cathedral in downtown Salt Lake. As a little boy, he was captivated by the beautiful windows there, pondering the way an artist could tell such amazing stories using glass as their medium. He continues to love the history of glass artistry, which dates back thousands of years. Throughout his career, Mike has taken part in several public art projects – proposing, designing, assembling, and installing many beautiful pieces in buildings throughout Utah. He has also worked to restore several historical glass windows and installations in various local churches, as well as at the Utah State Capitol building.
Mike has served as a board member and instructor at Visual Art Institute for over a decade. As a teacher, he brings his diverse background to the classroom – guiding students with a blend of scientific rigor, hands-on craftsmanship, and creative freedom. He loves to empower his students, and is rewarded to see them enjoy working with glass as he does.