Michael (“Mike”) Horner, artist, musician/percussionist, hair stylist, amateur golfer, philanthropist, creative spirit. Mike has painted extraordinary original works of art for more than half a century. Naturally gifted, Mike got his start at the age of 7 when he began drawing for his own pleasure. His talent was quickly noticed and he was often asked to create special pieces for family, friends and neighbors. A community activist and teacher’s attention resulted in Mike’s acceptance to the prestigious and highly competitive Cranbrook Institute at age 19. Michael was not able to take advantage of the opportunity due to family obligations. He chose, instead to remain close to home to help his family after an older brother was called to serve in Vietnam. Mike honed his skills on his own by immersing himself in painting, drawing creativity and artistic expression from the fabric of daily life. Myriad family and life experiences have shaped Mike as an artist. Mike is one of 12 children raised by a loving widowed mother on Detroit’s eastside following his father’s untimely death. Prolific with acrylic, charcoal, pastels and mixed medium, he stopped painting for five years after his brother’s murder on the streets of Detroit…the same brother who had survived a tour of duty in Vietnam. Family members surprised and encouraged Mike with blank canvases of all sizes knowing he would not resist releasing his feelings and telling his story through his craft. Multi-talented, Mike has traveled the globe competing as a hair stylist in hair design events, including “Hair Wars”. Several Michigan winters have found Mike playing in amateur golf tournaments in Florida, often returning with both a trophy and paintbrush in hand. A generous giver to those who deserve but don’t always receive outward displays of appreciation, Mike has bestowed an unexpected “Thank You” on many occasions. Most recently, he voluntarily spent three days at the St John Macomb Rehabilitation Center painting an “inspiring” 8’ x 4’ mural on the wall of the physical therapy room. When Detroit Police Department Officer Brian Huff was killed in the line of duty, Mike was moved to paint Officer Huff’s portrait which he donated to the Huff family. Soon after, Mike was touched by the senseless killing of Livonia Police Officer, Larry Nehasil rendering his likeness on canvas. The portrait was donated to Mrs. Linda Nehasil with a canvas print given to the Livonia Police Department. You may find many of Mike’s original works on display at The Clique restaurant located at 1326 East Jefferson Avenue in Detroit.