Collection: Mike Bennett

Mike Bennett was born at Chanute Air Force Base, in Rantoul, IL where his father taught meteorology. Subsequently, his family moved to Chateauroux, France where his father was transferred and continued to work in the field of meteorology at the Chateauroux Air Station for the U.S. Air Force.

Memories of visiting Gothic cathedrals and country churches in France as a toddler left an impression on him. He has painted many churches, farmhouses, barns, and mountain cabins in his nostalgic paintings and has plans for many more.

For ten years he worked as a graphic artist for a construction supply company.

During this time, Mike also freelanced as an illustrator and commission artist. He sold his paintings in art galleries in California and to Columbia Magazine. He worked on special art commissions for famed composer/conductor and priest, Alfonso D’Artega.

For half of his professional art career, he has taught art for the Yucaipa/Calimesa School District and has earned many educational awards and was awarded a California League of Middle Schools – Educator of the Year Award.

Mike believes that he was given this wonderful talent from God to bring a little beauty to this troubled world.