Story Painter, Michael Israel, supports Peoria Promise
September 28th, 2018 – Believing wholeheartedly about well-rounded education, Michael Israel came to Illinois Central College on Wednesday, August 29th to promote his show and Peoria Promise, a non-profit organization that puts kids through school at Illinois Central College.
Israel spoke about researching the different aspects within his field such as the business and marketing side. While listening to Israel talk, it became evident that there is much more to him than just the paintings, although his works of art are rather famous as none other than Warren Buffet and many others own a Michael Israel original.
Israel’s drive is intensely filled with passion for the younger generation. However, he didn’t always have the drive he so passionately flows with now. One fun fact, and something that he now uses as a motivator, is that he didn’t originally graduate from high school and then attend college. In fact, he not only graduated high school after some college, but his main reasons for attending college weren’t education at all. He attended college because his karate sessions were close by, girls, and the fact that it was just something to do. Looking back, Israel realizes that his lack of motivation for school has only made him study more now then ever. He just doesn’t paint, per say. He studies up on the management and the marketing aspect of his career. In fact, Israel has done his own marketing. He realized that he could perform the same dedicated actions, if not better, then paying someone else to do them.
In the early 2000’s, Michael was performing from the White House to non-profit organizations such as Peoria Promise and beyond. His passion for charities has significantly helped places.
Israel paints fascinating pieces, starting when he was just 14 years old, which then sold for $3.00. While interviewing Israel, I learned that his first paintings “might have been flowers.” Michael has an upcoming performance on October 13th at the Peoria Promise gala to celebrate their 10th Anniversary. By Allison Salinas | VIDEO BELOW