A working artist for over 25 years, MVD has amassed a versatile style, learning many different disciplines along the way. Though focused on furniture as an undergrad, learning and expanding skill are a constant. An acrylic painter, MVD has found inspiration from many painters, mostly in the abstract realm. Going from Abstract Expressionism to Conceptual Art, early studies of drafting and graphic design have molded the paintings and practice, from expression to more controlled.

MVD has also been a Graphic Designer, with a focus on teaching in the corporate setting as a Training Manager. These experiences have led to digging into screen printing, video and photography.

For 8 years, MVD created a yearly calendar that he then screen printed. This series started as a creative challenge for the classroom that was never done, so he did it himself. Those calendars have become keepsake and collectors items.

MVD has done video work on occasion, but usually they are created for a group art show. As an example for the “Lost City” show in 2014, multiple video projects were created to not only document a unique show, but also to envision a restoring future as well.

For all of the other projects, Light Painting is MVD’s favorite, as where the acrylic painting may have become more controlled and planned out, but with the light painting, it has become the form of expression. Originally started as a more social project, MVD’s light painting became a solo project through the pandemic. With a DIY approach to creating lights for motion, the long exposure format has allowed MVD to experiment and react physically to new locations.

Curriculum Vitae

Group & Juried Exhibitions
2023. That’s Fire, SolCity Radio BrickHaus of Art Pop-up, Rancho Cordova, CA
2022. Surface Depth, The Fitch Building, Des Moines, IA
2021. Limited Space, The Temple for Performing Arts, Des Moines, IA
2021. Greater Des Moines Exhibited XXVII, Polk Heritage Gallery, Des Moines, IA
2020. Digital Iowa Exhibited XXXV, Polk Heritage Gallery, Des Moines, IA
2019. Greater Des Moines Exhibited XXVI, Polk Heritage Gallery, Des Moines, IA
2019. Kindred Spirits: An Art Exhibition, The Barnum Factory, Des Moines, IA
2018. Greater Des Moines Exhibited XXV, Polk Heritage Gallery, Des Moines, IA
2017. Artist Residency Showcase, Area 515, Des Moines, IA
2017. Greater Des Moines Exhibited XXIV, Polk Heritage Gallery, Des Moines, IA
2017. Pedal Art Poster Show, Viaduct Gallery, Des Moines, IA
2017. YWRC Sit on It, Capital Square, Des Moines, IA
2017. Iowa Exhibited XXXII, Polk Heritage Gallery, Des Moines, IA
2016. Pedal Art Poster Show, Viaduct Gallery, Des Moines, IA
2016. YWRC Sit on It, Veterans Auditorium, Des Moines, IA
2016. le Garage Hermitique, The Garage of Salisbury House, Des Moines, IA
2016. City Sounds Public Piano Project, Various locations, Des Moines, IA
2015. Dark Slide Art Show, Dubuque Area Arts Collective, Dubuque, IA
2014. Lost City, Thee Eye Gallery, Des Moines, IA
2012. Sensory Overload, Instinct Gallery, Des Moines, IA
2011. Sea of Faces, Thee Eye Gallery, Des Moines, IA
2010. Local Love, Teachout Building, Des Moines, IA
2010. WARPAINT!, Instinct Gallery, Des Moines, IA
2009. Juried Photography Show-2009, Ankeny Art Center, Ankeny, IA
2008. Midwest Fashion Runway Revue, Liars Club, Des Moines, IA
2008. Raise a Glass, Iowa State Historical Building, Des Moines, IA
2005. Senior BFA Exhibition, Iowa State College of Design Gallery, Ames, IA

Solo Exhibitions

2021. What if I try this, Gallery 4815, Des Moines, IA
2016. Fitch Open Studios, Fitch Building, Des Moines, IA
2016. Art Week Showcase, Fitch Building, Des Moines, IA
2015. Fitch Open Studios, Fitch Building, Des Moines, IA
2012. In Between the Lines, The Village Bean Co, Des Moines, IA
2011. Spring Rhythm, The Lift, Des Moines, IA

General Exhibition

2017-18. Moxie Gallery, Des Moines, IA
2011-13. Sakari Sushi Lounge, Des Moines, IA
2009. Jazz in July, Various Locations, Des Moines, IA
2006-07. Kunstenaar Gallery, Pella, IA