Nomination

As many of you may know, Mike Leither is a star of track and field. Others may recognize him as the kid with a mohawk, then shaved head, then mohawk, then shaved head, who works as the sculpture studio monitor —willing to help anyone at the drop of a hat. Mike is as genuinely helpful as he is agifted craftsman. Through his exceptional use of wood and clay, Mike creates beautifularchitectural forms that are both inventive and dynamic. Watch out world for Mike Leither, “that kid” with charming wit, an Olympian body and artistic prowess, limping to the Art Center with shaved legs and a boot.

- Seniors Oanh Vu and Steve Lemke, and junior Andy Julo

Artist Statement

I’m an art major with an emphasis in sculpture and drawing, but I’m interested in a career in architecture. In my art, I
explore architectural forms and, since I’m a student of art not architecture, I can play more freely with the forms. My structures are by no means the normal.

Structures can do more than just their basic function of protecting the owner from the elements. I try to create
structures that are more dynamic and playful than typical structures. My
personality is so reflected in the pieces that I think of them as a sort of self-
portrait. They have a lot of energy, they flow and they’re spontaneous. They show the energy and excitement I see in the world around me.

Filed under: Arts by Tan Tuohy