CHANDLER, Ariz. – Mike Margolis invites visitors to “step into a world where joy shifts, where colors pulse with life, and where art becomes an experience that speaks to the heart” in his newest art exhibition at the Gallery at the Chandler Center of the Arts. Opening May 24, the “Shifting to Joy” exhibition will be on view through Aug. 2.
As a young man, Mike Margolis dreamt of dedicating his life to art. With a strong passion, he pursued art education and even had the incredible opportunity to create illustrations for Hallmark after college. However, practicality led him to a more stable career in the seafood industry. For more than 50 years, Margolis dedicated himself to ensuring fresh seafood was delivered to restaurants across the Valley, working tirelessly from early morning until late at night.
The pandemic brought unexpected challenges to his business, as restaurant operations were disrupted. It was during this time of uncertainty that Margolis rekindled his first love—art. Since 2020, he has explored various artistic styles, each reflecting an underlying joy of life, or “joie de vivre.” In this upcoming exhibition, Margolis presents two collections that radiate a sense of happiness and lightness, expressed through playful gestures and creative use of scale.
Join us at the Gallery at the Chandler Center for the Arts for the following public program related to the exhibition:
- Opening Reception
Friday, May 30, 6-8 p.m.
RSVP on Eventbrite
The Gallery at the Chandler Center for the Arts is located at 250 N. Arizona Ave. Hours are Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday 12-4 p.m.; Closed Sunday. Free admission.
Find more information on exhibitions at Vision Gallery or call 480-782-2695.
Vision Gallery and Chandler Center for the Arts Gallery
The Vision Gallery, and its sister gallery at the Chandler Center for the Arts, are fine arts galleries exhibiting more than 300 regional artists and housing two Art-O-Mats in Chandler. Visitors can discover a varied palette of original artworks from oil and acrylic canvasses to ceramic works, sculpture, jewelry and more. Exhibits are rotated on a regular basis and are free for the public to view at this nonprofit gallery supported by the Chandler Cultural Foundation. A portion of all art sales are used to fund the Vision Kids program, a series of education workshops offered to the community free of charge. Both galleries are regularly featured in articles and other media at the local and state level. More at Vision Gallery.
About Mike Margolis
Mike Margolis, a Phoenix-based abstract artist, is known for his vibrant, joy-filled canvases that ignite conversation and inspire collectors. After a 50-year seafood industry career, he returned to his passion, infusing his work with dynamic color and movement. His art has been showcased in prestigious galleries like Phoenix Chamber of Commerce Gallery, Scottsdale Civic Center Library Gallery, ASU Gammage Art Gallery, Surprise, AZ, Art HQ Gallery, as well as public projects like Peoria’s "2024 Utility Box Art Wrap." Featured on Channel 12 News Phoenix’s Art Pops, his work is prized in private collections alongside Agam, Shemi, Max, Linderman, and he designed a Stuart Weitzman Shoe collection. A committed philanthropist, Margolis supports Emily Yates Cancer Research, Donors are Heroes and Whisk Away 2025, benefiting Mother’s Grace. Through exhibitions, media, and charity, his art serves as a bridge for dialogue and inspiration, enriching the Phoenix art scene.
Artwork credit: "It's on the Tip of My Tongue" by Mike Margolis
Media contact:
Jillian Nakornthap
Exhibits Curator
480-782-2882