Michael Chlebanowski

Mr. Michael Chlebanowski has served in the HLGU Art Department since 2006. He earned his Master of Fine Arts in 1996, and had 10 years’ experience as an adjunct faculty for Benedictine University, Lisle IL, St. Francis University, Joliet, IL, College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn, IL, and Joliet Jr. College, Joliet, IL.  Before becoming a professor in art, Mr. Chlebanowski was a graphic designer and illustrator for 17 years, working for such corporations as Bell Laboratories and Official Airline Guides.  He also was owner and President of Visual Communications Services, a business to business creative services agency, supplying creative services to various corporations in the Chicagoland area.  Mr. Chlebanowski has an extensive fine art record, selling many of his paintings and acquiring commissions for portraits.  In 2010 Mr. Chlebanowski was selected to represent HLGU to teach art at the prestigious Harlaxton College in the U.K. for the fall semester.  Presently Mr. Chlebanowski is the HLGU Art Department Chair, The Hagerman Art Gallery Director and faculty sponsor of the HLGU Art Club.

“My art is centered on the idea of belonging,” says Mr. Chlebanowski. “Where do I belong? As a Christian, I await my true home in Heaven with the one true God. Yet, here on Earth, I have a sense of reality being distorted, that life is a series of challenge and growth. My art is steeped in process, exploring various media, examining multiple ways of looking at the world into which I was born. 1 Corinthians 13:12 sums up my artistic view. Now we see things defectively, like perplexing reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything clearly. Presently, in my life all is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, as completely God now knows me. I enjoy sharing my faith life with students and colleagues. This is why I decided to teach at HLGU. My advice to new students is to be open to God’s grace in your life. HLGU offers the right environment for you to discern God’s purpose in your life.”

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