AMSET’s Café Art series

The Art Museum of Southeast Texas will present “Michael Lee: Finding My Way” beginning Thursday, Nov. 17-Feb. 5, 2023, in AMSET’s Café Art Series for local artists.

Lee is returning for his second café show after 11 years. His first café exhibition, “Second Wind: Painting,” was on view in the museum’s café in 2011.

Bornn in Port Arthur and graduate of Bishop Byrne High School, Lee then attended Lamar University, graduating in 1968 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Commercial Art. He worked as an art director for local ad agencies from 1969-73, when he began his own design studio. In 1978, Michael and his wife Tanya opened Michael Lee Advertising & Design, Inc., a full-service ad agency. With 42 years of advertising and design experience, Lee has extensive knowledge of marketing, public relations, account service and creative direction. During his time as a designer and advertiser, he created the museum’s current logo.

After a trip to France in 2003, he began to paint. His subject matter includes still-lifes, landscapes and outdoor scenes. He primarily works in oil, creating medium to large scale paintings. He is inspired by French impressionists, including Monet and Pissarro, as well as American impressionist Childe Hassam, and the American illustrators Bernie Fuchs and Robert Heidel. He hopes that viewers will feel a sense of comfort when viewing his artworks. A price list is located at the museum’s front desk.

AMSET is located at 500 Main St. in downtown Beaumont.