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Still Life with Pick Axe

Galax II

Firefighters (print)

Blue Shirt Girl

Super A

Hammer and Drill

White Plate

Michael McGurk spent most of his adult life as a firefighter, but before and beyond and throughout that time, he has been an artist. He graduated in 1971 from Pittsburgh's Ivy School of art but got interested in fighting dangerous blazes as well. When he heard the D.C. department was hiring, he moved to northern Virginia to become a firefighter. In his thirty-year career, Mike helped the city through many major disasters, including the recovery effort at the Pentagon after the attacks of September 11.Row of Pine Trees

Mike continued to experiment with art, and as retirement approached, he felt the need to branch out more. He began taking classes at the Corcoran College of Art and the Art League, eventually accepting a job as a facilities manager for the latter. He enjoyed his proximity to the art world and the instructors at the Art League, and soon became a member himself. When he entered some of his pieces in juried shows and won a few prizes, he took it as a sign that he was making a good move with his life.

Mike McGurk has taken part in ten exhibitions in the Mid-Atlantic region, including the Maryland Pastel Society's National Open Exhibition and the Art League's monthly juried shows. He continues to win awards, among them the Pastel Society of America's Janet T. Royce Award and the Maryland Pastel Society's 2005 Betty Knight Award for Best Still Life. One of his artworks is currently up for an award in the Art Kudos international juried exhibition. Mike's work includes still life, landscapes, and portrayals of country, family, and fire department life. To his soft pastels he brings the intimate feel of a lifetime of experience.

Engine House No. 16 (print)	Edisto Surf	Engine House (print)	Corner of Desk
Winter Road	Noonan	Engine No. 9 (print)