Michael Shaughnessy

Michael Shaughnessy is an artist that has over 30 years has created installations and exhibitions nationally. He is known for his large-scale sculptural works of woven and bound hay. He has shown at museums and contemporary art centers such as the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian Institution, Southeast Center for Contemporary Art, Exit Art, PS 1, Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago, the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, Mesa Contemporary Art, Portland Museum of Art, Maine Center for Contemporary Art, Decordova Museum, Wyoming Art Museum, and recently the Craft Alliance of St. Louis. As well he has exhibited at many Universities. These include Michigan State, University of Missouri, Colorado State University, Indiana State University, Bates College, Rice University, University of Memphis, Penn State, and Virginia Commonwealth University. He won the jurors award in the Portland Museum of Art 2011 Biennial.

For over twenty-five years Mr. Shaughnessy has taught sculpture design and drawing at the University of Southern Maine. He has been a department chair for nearly ten years. In this capacity he has developed a BA Degree in Art and Entrepreneurial Studies which was the first degree of its kind nationally to be focused on linking artists to, and enabling them in. creative sector entrepreneurship.

 Mr. Shaughnessy has a long involvement with political and community activism. This includes working for various political causes, serving in elected office, serving with organizations and writing on political issues. He is currently the President of the Friends of the Presumpscot River and was one of its founders.

He has been married to Malory for 27 years and with whom he has raised and takes much delight, in four amazing sons.