In Memoriam
Michael Edward Berube
November 10, 1957 – May 15, 2024
The Hunter College community mourns the loss of our friend and colleague Michael Edward Berube, a beloved faculty member and alumnus, who died at the age of 66 after a brief but heroic battle with lung cancer. Michael was part of the department and our community for twenty years. He began his BFA here in 2004, earned his MFA in 2010, and began teaching in the department in 2012. Michael taught ARTLA 101 Introduction to the Study of Visual Experience and was part of the team who helped to reconceive our introductory studio course as ARTLA 201 Art Foundations: Seeing, Thinking, Making, inaugurated in 2015. He also taught Special Topics in Collage. Across the decade he introduced hundreds of students to a newer, deeper way of thinking about art and to the Studio Art major at Hunter. Despite the aggressiveness of the cancer that finally took his life, Michael continued to teach through as much of the Spring 2024 semester as he could, meeting his class into his very last weeks. I want to acknowledge the support his longtime ARTLA 201 co-teacher, Katerina Lanfranco, gave him and his students in these past few weeks.
In 2010 Michael was awarded the prestigious Graf Travel Grant, which allowed him to immerse himself in the art and culture of Italy. His favorite cities, Rome and Venice, deeply inspired him and influenced his work. The above image is from his research trip to Venice. As an artist, Michael explored the realms of maximalist aesthetics, camp, and beauty.
Michael was an early member of the artists’ collective Openings, a vibrant and diverse community of artists working in a variety of media, and a founder of its curatorial program. Reflecting his personality and his teaching, the collective emphasizes collaboration, creativity, and camaraderie. From 2011 on, Michael wore multiple hats at Openings; not only was he an exhibiting artists member, he also was part of the collective’s core governing body and its senior curator, working with visiting artists and curators and organizing the annual group exhibition. His curatorial work often included exhibitions of Hunter College faculty and alumni, reflecting his deep connection to the community.
Most of Openings’ exhibitions and events take place in a space provided by The Church of St. Paul the Apostle, the founding church of the Paulist Fathers, on the Upper West Side, where a solo show of Michael’s art is in planning for this coming fall. Michael asked that there not be a funeral or memorial service; instead, this exhibition will be an occasion of celebration of his life and work.
Openings’ vision statement reads: “Connections between creativity and transcendence foster meaningful conversations that have the potential to unite individuals and promote community.”
In addition to his visual art career, Michael had an earlier career in performance and music. Under the pseudonyms Michael London and Audrey White, he was a central figure in the 1980s East Village Pyramid Club and wrote and recorded music.
Michael was a cherished teacher known for his ability to connect with and mentor students from diverse backgrounds and interests. His fastidious application of theory and technique, combined with his rich anecdotes of the 1980s NYC downtown art scene, enthralled his students. He often shared stories of rubbing elbows with iconic figures like Andy Warhol, providing a unique and personal perspective on the New York art world.
The Hunter College community extends its heartfelt condolences to Michael’s family, friends, and all who were touched by his presence. Michael died in peace with family and friends and visits from his dog Shadow, who is now re-homed with his sister. Remembrances and condolences can be shared on his Facebook page: Michael London Berube.
A photo of Michael Berube in his MFA studio.
Any inquiries related to acquiring and exhibiting Michael Berube’s artwork can be emailed to: anthony.santella@gmail.com
Michael Berube was one of the kindest, most encouraging people I’ve ever met. I had him as a professor when I was just starting out in art, not really knowing what I was doing or if I even belonged in that world.
He had this calm, gentle way of teaching that made you feel safe to try, to mess up, to keep going. His feedback always came from a place of care and deep knowledge, and he made every student feel like their voice mattered. I honestly don’t think my art would be what it is today if I hadn’t learned from him early on.
Even years later, I still hear his words when I’m stuck or unsure. He made a lasting mark on me, and I know I’m not the only one. I’m so grateful I got to be one of his students.