⭐️ Celebrate ⭐️

Creative Connections

"To stimulate creativity one must develop childlike inclination for play and the childlike desire for recognition." - Albert Einstein

“ Michael would smirk at the idea of using an Albert Einstein quote in reference to him, but I smiled every time he worked in the studio…I smiled because he had the gift of reminding others how to enjoy the simplicity and joy in what we could create. We forget. Until we are reminded. We are just children seeking friends, fun and laughter.

Thank you, my friend, for always reminding us to smile. “

~ Sandra Sabene/Michael’s teacher and friend

⭐️ MICHAEL MADE HIS MARK AT LIVERPOOL ART CENTER ⭐️

MICHAEL’S FRIDAY LEGACY: Friday morning weekly classes have been Michael’s program since 2021. Michael brought a sense of play and openness to the studio. He had a special gift for helping people feel welcome and accepted. He had a contagious smile and loved to cook up shenanigans anywhere he could!

His years in retail and social work brought a unique asset to the classes he taught with children and special needs adults. He had a way of getting students to gain confidence with color and imagination. He loved to explore anything creative and meet new friends along the way.

MICHAEL’S ART: Michael Dooley’s art combines color, texture and design with a whimsical dreamscape and a child-like sense of wonder and play. Michael broke rules and made his own way in the arts by focusing on having fun with any medium he explored. His love of paint pours and creating fine details came together to create his most loved whimsical house paintings (his signature style). His brand, Dooley DesignZ included paintings, miniatures, pour paint vases and his own line of candles. The specialty t-shirts he created only for close friends and loved ones. What Michael loved most about creating art was the people he spent time with and those who shared his passion for spreading kindness and joy. He loved how his art made people smile.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO HELP?…

Michael’s creativity will continue to inspire joy and playfulness for years to come…HELP LAC CREATE THESE PROGRAMS OR SPONSOR AN ARTIST!

You can join a class or sponsor an artist! Let’s keep the smiles up and the paint pouring….that’s what Michael brought to our studio and will for years to come.

⭐️ DOOLEY’S ARTZ CLASS: Come join a fun and simple painting class! Learn how to re-create Michael Dooley’s whimsical arts or make up something of your own! Anyone can paint!

⭐️ DOOLEY’S ARTZ FUND: Sponsor an artist or fund a group. We have worked with Liberty Resources, BOCES, Arise, ARC and additional organizations that bring adults with special needs into the studio for classes and social time. We design customized programs that offer creative expression and social activities. These programs have been building bridges from facilities to community for families since 2002. DOOLEY’S ARTZ will be the first memorial program created and designed by one of our students!

How can you donate?

Checks mail to/payable to:

Pathfinder Studio & Nature Sanctuary 501(c) (3)

12473 NY 38 , Martville, NY 13111