About

Michael graduated from Roberts Wesleyan University as a Studio Art Major with a minor in Biblical Languages. He finished out with a 3.91 GPA.

In 2024 Michael joined the U.S. Air Force.

Michael Sanders is proud to be an artist, writer and follower of Jesus. When he’s not flinging paint on something, doodling, typing or glued to a new book, he’s telling people about Jesus - the One Who changed his life forever.

For freelance work or questions, email:

sandersstudios7@gmail.com

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Public Affairs Specialist
U.S. Air Force – Nellis Air Force Base, NV
2024 – Present

  • Supported internal and external communication strategies for base-wide projects

  • Produced high-quality photography, graphic design, and multimedia content for official Air Force channels

Freelance Artist
2021 – Present

  • Collaborated with Shawn Dunwoody and university peers on The Flame Within the Sea acrylic painting for the Upward Project at Golisano Community Engagement Center, Rochester, NY 2023

  • Illustrated the children’s book series Fred The Great for a client in Palm Coast, FL 2022

  • Created character illustrations for the children’s book Knot and Grunt, Palm Coast, FL 2021

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science in Studio Art
Roberts Wesleyan University, Rochester, NY 2023
3.91 GPA; Alpha Kappa Sigma, Summa Cum Laude
Developed skills in visual communication and design principles.
Minor in Biblical Language Studies

Mass Communication Foundations Graphic Design Course
 Defense Information School, Fort George G. Meade, MD December 2024
Specialized in layout, branding, and digital media for Department of Defense communication.

Mass Communication Foundations Course
 Defense Information School, Fort George G. Meade, MD October 2024
Trained in visual journalism, writing, and public affairs for military and joint environments.

Air Force Basic Military Training
 Joint Base San Antonio–Lackland, TX May 2024
Completed foundational military training with emphasis on discipline, resilience, and teamwork.

High School Diploma
 East Syracuse Minoa Central School District, Syracuse, NY 2019
National Honor Society; AP Art History; AP Studio Art Portfolio

CERTIFICATIONS

Certificate in Artificial Intelligence and Career Empowerment
 University of Maryland – Robert H. Smith School of Business. July 2025
30-hour executive program on AI, business innovation, and leadership

VOLUNTEER WORK

  • Small group leader and sound booth operator, City Light Church, Las Vegas, NV. 2025

  • Graphics team, River Church Baltimore, Timonium, MD. 2024

  • President of Students for Life at Roberts Wesleyan University, Rochester, NY. 2023

  • Roberts Wesleyan University men’s cross country and track team chaplain, Rochester, NY. 2023

  • Children’s church, Abundant Life Christian Center, Syracuse, NY. 2014-2019

EXHIBITIONS 

  • Work displayed in Davison Art Gallery, Rochester, NY. 2023

  • Work displayed in Davison Art Gallery, Rochester, NY. 2022

  • Work displayed  Davison Art Gallery, Rochester, NY. 2021

  • Work displayed Davison Art Gallery, Rochester, NY. 2020

  • Artist in Residence, New York State Fair House & Home Center, Syracuse, NY. 2018

  • Work displayed at the U.S. Department of Education, Washington, DC. 2018

  • Artist in Residence, New York State Fair House & Home Center, Syracuse, NY. 2017

  • Artist in Residence, New York State Fair House & Home Center, Syracuse, NY. 2016

ACHIEVEMENTS

  • Alpha Kappa Sigma, Roberts Wesleyan University, Rochester, NY. 2023

  • Summa Cumm Laude, Roberts Wesleyan University, Rochester, NY. 2023

  • Pegasus Poetry Award, Roberts Wesleyan University Humanities Department, Rochester, NY. 2022

  • National Gold Key, Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, Syracuse, NY. 2019

  • Onondaga Community College Award: Best Fine Arts Portfolio, Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, Syracuse, NY. 2019

  • Honorable Mention- Portfolio, Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, Syracuse, NY. 2019

  • Gold Key (x2), Silver Key, Honorable Mention (x2), Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, Syracuse, NY. 2019

  • Nomination for the American Visions Award, Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, Syracuse, NY. 2018

  • Youngest person in NYS Fair history (up to that year) to earn Best in Show, Blue Ribbon (x2), Honorable Mention, New York State Fair Fine Art Competition, Syracuse, NY. 2018

  • Gold Key (x2), Silver Key (x2), Honorable Mention, Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, Syracuse, NY. 2018

  • Blue Ribbon, Red Ribbon, White Ribbon, New York State Fair Fine Art Competition, Syracuse, NY. 2017

  • Honorable Mention (x4), Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, Syracuse, NY. 2017

  • Blue Ribbon, Honorable Mention, New York State Fair Fine Art Competition, Syracuse, NY. 2016

  • Gold Key, Silver Key, Honorable Mention (x2), Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, Syracuse, NY. 2016