Exhibition Dates: Friday, April 3 - Sunday, May 31, 2026

Opening Reception: Saturday, April 11, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Michael Garlington is an American artist and photographer celebrated for his immersive installations and intricate large-scale sculptures. Based in Petaluma, California, Michael merges photography, sculpture, and storytelling to craft surreal environments that delve into themes of identity, mortality, and the human experience. His work often blurs the line between fine art and performance, inviting viewers to interact with his creations in profound and transformative ways.

Michael gained international recognition through his installations at Burning Man, particularly the Photo Chapel (2013) and Totem of Confessions (2015), which fused his signature black-and-white photography with architectural forms. His notable works also include The Arch (2016), a stunning contribution to the Smithsonian Renwick Gallery’s No Spectators: The Art of Burning Man exhibition, and The Journey to the Cloud (2018), a large-scale installation commissioned by Google for its main campus, reflecting themes of innovation and transformation. In 2022, Michael unveiled the Chapel of Babel, a monumental piece exploring the fragmented nature of communication and human connection in the digital age. Michael's pieces have been exhibited in galleries, museums, and art festivals worldwide, earning him acclaim as a pioneer in participatory and experiential art.

This exhibition is presented in partnership with PhotoCarmel and in conjunction with the Ripple Effect Arts Festival, which celebrates the interconnected energy of artists and communities throughout Santa Cruz County.