Alicia Armstrong Gallery Presents the Debut Solo Exhibition of

Metal Sculpture Artist Michael Leaf

Fine Art Gallery in El Paseo District to Feature Reception with Up-and-Coming Artist Michael Leaf on January 21 from 4 – 8 p.m.-

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. – January 9, 2012 – The Alicia Armstrong Gallery will introduce the art of Michael Leaf during his debut solo exhibition running January 21 – February 10. Leaf is an up-and-coming prodigy in the art world , a self-taught artist who has created numerous metal design methods. The exhibit will highlight the diversity and capabilities of metal, featuring over 25 pieces of wall-based art that have been created out of 100% recycled metals. The majority of sculptures, wall hangings and furniture comprising this collection are being revealed to the public for the first time. An opening reception with Michael will take place Saturday, January 21 from 4 – 8 p.m.

Michael’s work has already been published in San Diego Magazine, and San Diego Home & Garden will soon feature his designs for a personal residence that include sculptures, custom installation pieces, and a 23-foot tall wood and metal tree that serves as the centerpiece of the living room. Michael’s art has also been exhibited at La Jolla’s Hotel Parisi and San Diego’s Trios Gallery. He is a board member of the South Bay Artist Foundation and owns the Michael Leaf Design gallery in San Diego.

“With the number of art enthusiasts and collectors in the Desert Cities, the Alicia Armstrong Gallery is a wonderful venue to debut this collection,” says Leaf. “My family has been in the steel industry for over 50 years, so I grew up in a three-acre steel yard. After a piece of wall art came to me in a dream, I picked up a torch to try and create it, and the rest is history. I truly hope this exhibit inspires people to appreciate new art forms, and even new ways of thinking, when it comes to metal.”

Exhibit Highlights

Michael Leaf Design Chairs - These solid metal chairs were designed around the concept of wine. Taking into account everything that should accompany a glass of wine, Michael specifically created the angles of the chairs for good conversation and intimacy. He also suspended a wireless light on each chair, with them meeting in the middle. The left chair lights up the table beneath, and the right lights up the wall behind the set. This is so a piece of art can be lit behind the chairs without having to install track or spot lighting, ultimately eliminating any distraction from the chairs themselves.

“MIYAKO” – The Miyako piece was created as the artist’s gut reaction to the tsunami in Japan.

“IT” - One of the artist’s most prized pieces, there is no limit to the expansion level, or adaptation, of this particular piece of art. It represents and defines everything the artist believes in as a connection of all things and people through a series of vibrations and adapting patterns. This exhibition will represent the world debut of “IT.”