Medieval Tapestry, the name for the 14 by 5 foot assemblage gracing the front stairway at Baldwin Public Library, belies the modern intensity of this outstanding art work commissioned especially for the library. This contemporary tapestry borrows its inspiration from the treasured medieval art form. But it is, in truth, an interweaving of the many textures of the modern age. It combines almost every imaginable material ranging from the mundane to precious, from cement to gold leaf, from industrial glass to peacock feathers. With this grand and flowing visual delight, the artist gives us his comment on the multi-textured experience of our lives and our community.

Using the endless variety of materials, the artist creates a multi-leveled collage representing heraldry symbols and even coats of armor. “Interweaving Gothic, Medieval, Chinese and primitive symbols, I have tried to create a piece that represents many phases of the human family in both its history and texture.” says Michaels. The library is the depository of history and the center of the community. It is fitting that Medieval Tapestry was created for the Baldwin Public Library.

Mr. Michaels worked on Medieval Tapestry, one of his most complex works, for a total of eleven months. Backing the piece with a specially constructed armature, he was able to lend to it a waving quality, reminiscent of the properties of fabrics of medieval tapestries. Materials used prominently and to great effect in Medieval Tapestry are colored blown glass rondels. These beautiful glass crolls rolling together, reflect light in every changing variety and give the entire piece an ongoing sense of movement.