Michelle Bach's Bulldogs Unleashed Q+A

The summer of 2011 may be remembered for many reasons, but one will be , the public art display of 25 larger-than-life bulldogs that has captured the interest and imagination of many local residents. Here is an interview with Michelle Bach of Pingree Grove, IL, the first in a series with the artists whose creativity have made the exhibit a success since the 30-inch-high by 50-inch-long frames went on display in June.

Bach's American Bulldog is one of 14 decorated bulldogs that will be auctioned off Saturday, Sept. 10, at the Fox Valley Country Club, 2500 N. River Rd. (Route 25), North Aurora. More information about the auction is at the end of this article.

Batavia Patch: What is the name of your bulldog and where can we see it?

Michelle Bach: I did two bulldogs—one for the , Children of Batavia, on the corner of Lincoln and Wilson streets (outside the school district office), and one for the Rotary Club of Batavia called American Bulldog, which is down by Houston Street and North Island Avenue.

Batavia Patch: What was your inspiration?

Bach: For Children of Batavia, this one was very natural to me. I am an art teacher for (from) kindergarten-5th grade. I celebrate children's artwork everyday! I tried to capture the simplicity and carefree feeling that children have that adults always try to remember. My focus was a very abstract representation of children in Batavia and the building blocks for learning in the future.

My inspiration for the American Bulldog is to pay special tribute to the men and women who have served in the military, both past and present, for our country. It is a celebration to the flag and to our nation's independence.

Batavia Patch: How long did it take you to decorate them and what medium did you use?

Bach: It took nine weeks to paint in the evenings after I put my children to bed. My boys would always come down the next morning and run up to the dogs to see what I had painted the night before. I painted them both in acrylics. 

Batavia Patch: Why did you become an artist?

Bach: I have clear memories growing up of my art teachers encouraging me to continue with the arts. That obviously stuck with me, because I view this as my role now to my students. I encourage my students to do their personal best, and that we are all wonderfully different and that should be celebrated! I went to NIU (Northern Illinois University) and received a BSED in Art Education in '99, and have been an art teacher ever since.

Batavia Patch: When you are not decorating bulldogs, what is your favorite subject for your work?

Bach: I love painting nurseries. I love the anticipation, excitement and love that goes into that room. I also paint professional murals for homes and businesses. I also paint custom paintings per request.

Batavia Patch: Where can the public see your work? 

Bach: My Web site, www.muralsbymickey.com, is where some of my murals are showcased.

About the Auction

Please consider joining your friends and neighbors at a fun-filled evening Sept. 10 for the Bulldogs Unleashed Live Auction and casual dinner reception. You do not have to bid on a dog to attend! 

A $75 auction ticket gets you:

• Open Bar
• Live entertainment
• Hors d'oeuvres, appetizers and more

All proceeds from the night's event will go toward helping this city via the Batavia Foundation for Educational Excellence, Batavia Public Library Foundation and Batavia Parks Foundation.

To purchase auction tickets, or for more information, go to bulldogsunleashed.org.