About the artist:

Michael Zahratka was a professor in the department of art at Eastern Michigan University from 1967 - 2003. Zahratka, of Belleville, Michigan retired Jan. 2002 after 34 years of service to EMU. With his artistic skills, he contributed to the department's reputation for painting excellence and participated on several departmental committees. He has a master's degree from Syracuse University. Michael was a very talented creator of contemporary paintings and many unique items including clocks, toys and various art objects. He passed away in July of 2014.