Michael Dopp

Michael Dopp earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 2005 and his Master of Fine Arts from UCLA in 2009. His work has been exhibited in various galleries, including Night Gallery, 356 Mission, Roberts Projects, China Art Objects, Steve Turner Gallery, and Black Dragon Society, as well as in numerous artist-run and alternative spaces. In addition to his solo career, Michael co-founded and managed Arturo Bandini, an exhibition space where he curated over 20 group exhibitions, organized an alternative art fair, and hosted an international film festival. Arturo Bandini was included in a year-long residency at Ballroom Marfa in Texas and the Center for the Arts in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

In 2019, Michael launched a store called Zakka Bakka with two partners, focusing on design, functional art, performance, and culinary art. His work and collaborative projects have been featured in publications such as Artforum, Art in America, Artillery, CARLA, Frieze, Flaunt, and the Los Angeles Times. Michael's art practice includes extensive collaborations with fellow artists, fashion designers, ceramicists, architects, and publishers, resulting in a diverse body of work spanning immersive installations, art bars, performance art, fashion, functional design, event production, and social practice.

 Michael’s collaborative mindset is integral to both his art practice and teaching philosophy. He strives to bring his professional experience into the classroom, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and community-building in both art and education.