11-06-2025
‘It's been huge for me:' Local man earns prestigious honor for art
MIDDLETOWN, Ohio (WDTN) — One local artist is now considered a 'master' in his field.
Middletown resident Michael Surber just returned from Italy, where he was recognized as one of 60 artists globally for his talent and contribution to the art world.
'My style is vibrant, colorful and expressive,' he says. 'I find through color that I'm able to say more than I can verbally and express myself better.'
Surber is a marketing representative but at night – he's an artist. He's been balancing the two for years now. His work is much more than meets the eye.
'I'm an abstract artist. I am working fluid paint,' says Surber 'I love vibrant color. The brighter the better for me. They just speak to me differently.'
One canvas at a time, he is showcasing his talents to the world.
'I don't use brushes in any of my paints whatsoever,' he says. 'My paintings are done with palette knives and a paper towel roll, and I just split it, to be whatever it's going to be.'
He showcases his work on social media and at local art galleries. But little did he know his pieces were being considered for international recognition.
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'It's a whole judging process that you don't even know is going on because you never applied for it,' he recalls.
In May, Surber was nominated for Art Tour International's Top 60 Master's Award.
Widely recognized as the 'Oscars of the Visual Arts,' the awards honor artists whose work goes beyond technique, championing those who create with meaning, vision, and courage.
He and his oldest son traveled to Ferrara Italy to accept the award.
'I can official say I'm a master artist. It's been huge for me.'
Surber says it's the honor of a lifetime and that he hopes it's a reminder to up and coming artists to never give up on your dreams.
'If you really love it, keep trying,' he says. 'Don't accept no's. I have more rejection letters than I do acceptance letters. Keep pushing the algorithms on social media are not a critic for you and don't let them be. It doesn't matter how many likes you have. If you love it, keep going, keep pushing.'
The Master's Award has opened doors for Surber, and he's in the process of transitioning to art full time.
His next solo exhibit is July 11 in Eaton at Preble Arts Center.
If you'd like to see more of his work, click here.
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