Mike Muller’s artistic journey began with a love for landscapes, cultivated through decades of printmaking and photography. A two-time alum of the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute (OSAI) and a dedicated art educator, his experiences at Quartz Mountain shaped not only his art but his life’s direction.

Muller attended OSAI for painting in 1979 and printmaking in 1981, experiences that solidified his decision to become an artist. “It opened up my life to the entire world of fine arts and made me feel like I was a part of that world,” he recalls. “Up until that time, I had not interacted with many other people in such diverse artistic disciplines. It made me realize how we are all part of a greater creative community.”

Muller’s decision to pursue a career in art education was influenced by mentors he met through OAI, including art teachers like Pat Wetherill & Patrick Riley, who encouraged him to apply to OSAI, and Dan Kiacz, who inspired him through hands-on learning experiences. He later returned to OAI as a counselor and gallery liaison in the 1990s, working alongside renowned instructors like Nathan Goldstein and Tom Berg.

“Being a counselor was almost as rewarding as my experiences as a student,” Muller says. “I learned as much or more than when I was in high school, and those experiences deeply influenced how I approach teaching today.”

Since 1997, Muller has shared his passion for the arts as an art teacher in the Oklahoma City Public Schools, teaching students ranging from elementary to high school. He has also taught college-age students, inspiring them to pursue arts careers of their own. Currently teaching at Belle Isle Enterprise Middle School, he incorporates printmaking into his curriculum, even taking students to Artspace at Untitled for monthly mentorship sessions.

In addition to his time as a student and counselor, Muller has attended six Oklahoma Fall Arts Institutes, most recently in 2024. He reflects on his return to Quartz Mountain with deep gratitude:

“Quartz Mountain is such an inspiring place. For me, much of the magic is connected to the experiences I’ve had there, first as a high school student, later as a counselor, and now again as an adult student. It’s also magic for the way it connects all of these creative people in a kind of synergy of purpose.”

Muller credits OAI with keeping his creative spark alive, describing Quartz Mountain as his “home away from home.”

As an advocate for arts education, Muller emphasizes the importance of programs like OAI that provide full scholarships to educators. “By providing support for educators, many of whom could otherwise not afford this program, it enables them to have an invaluable inspirational experience that helps them grow as teachers and artists,” he says.

Outside the classroom, Muller remains an active artist. His work has been featured in galleries across the region, and in 2024, he appeared in episode 10 of the reality competition show Maker Nation Challenge.

One of his favorite OSAI memories is a sunrise hike to the top of King Mountain, where a photography student captured a stunning shot of him—a reminder of the natural beauty and creative inspiration that Quartz Mountain continues to provide.

Mike Muller’s story is a testament to the enduring impact of OAI on Oklahoma artists and educators. We’re proud to celebrate his achievements and look forward to seeing his influence continue to grow.

Desert Nights, serigraph, by Mike Muller

Written by Stefanie Leland