Michael Piazza

Dear Piazza Family,
I only learned of Michael's passing today, upon visiting the Mexican Fine Arts Museum and viewing the beautiful ofrenda that was made in his honor. Michael was my teacher when I was an InterArts grad student at Columbia, and I fondly remember his gentle, quiet, yet passionate approach to art, life and the potential of all people to create and enjoy art. Although I did not know Michael all that well, and did not see him often (the last time was at Suzanne Cohen-Lange's...

Michael was my thesis advisor for grad school at Columbia College - he was an inspiration to me then and will continue to be throughout my lifetime. Of all the teachers in the interdisciplinary arts dept, Michael spoke my artistic language.

The first year of college can be pretty scary, especially art school critiques. But I have to say that Michael Piazza was one of the few good things during my first year at SAIC. He was always supportive and engaged in mine and everyone's ideas and concepts. He never judged or criticized. He only offered is utmost help and attention. I can't express how fortunate I feel to have been a student of his. Thank you Michael.

Michael, your art endures in our lives as your spirit does in our hearts.

I am deeply saddened to learn that Michael has passed away. He was my teacher for several months at the Village Art School and he was a wonderful person, someone I would have liked to be friends with. My deepest condolences to you all.

I am deeply saddened to learn of Michael Piazza’s passing. I knew him years ago as a collaborator with the Axe Street Arena, and only recently learned that he had continued his good work in Chicago in the years since I left. My activities in Chicago with Michael and his lovely wife Laura as a participant in the Axe Street Arena helped shape the way I see the world. My deepest condolences go out to his family and loved ones in this sad and difficult time.

Michael Piazza was a wonderful teacher and an inspiration to me. I was a student of his in 2004 at the school of the art insitute of chicago. I wish I had had the chance to tell him how much of an inspiration he was and what his class and teachings had meant to me. my heart goes out to his family and friends. i am honored to have been a student of michael piazza's.

TO ALL OF MICHAELS FAMILY

I WOULD LIKE TO SAY IT HAS BEEN MY HONOR TO TEACH WITH MICHAEL AT THE VILLAGE ART SCHOOL-- MICHAEL ALWAYS WORE A SMILE AND KNEW THE RIGHT THING TO SAY IN ALL SITUATIONS. HIS SINCERITY TOUCHED US ALL-- MICHAEL WILL TRULY BE MISSED

LINDA ZIMMERMAN

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. It made me reminisce about the old days...the after school arts program at Herzl School, teaching Franklin at Best Practice and watching him grow from a kid to a young man...Your family is in my thoughts. I wish you all the best.