Over a quarter million in Art SOLD to benefit the Peoria Promise!

Over a quarter million in Art SOLD to benefit the Peoria Promise!

Over a quarter million in Art SOLD to benefit the Peoria Promise!

Michael Israel has raised over $250,000 and helped draw sponsors for the Peoria Promise, having worked with Mayor Jim Ardis since he founded the tuition reimbursement program working to help local students go to school and join the workforce.

The program was initially for students who had attended public schools in Peoria but has since expanded to private school graduates and now to students with GEDs and those homeschooled.

The galas serve to raise funds and celebrate those who made the program possible.

“The promise pillars this evening will be announced. They are the top 5 companies that have supported Peoria Promise from day one: Caterpillar, Advanced Medical Transport, RLI, OSF Health Care, and Unity Point,” Peoria Promise Executive Director MJ Schettler said.

The program has raised over $4.4 million and helped over 2,600 students get an associate’s degree or certification. Schettler said 87% of their alumni are working in Peoria.

How I Almost Blew It with Warren Buffett…

How I Almost Blew It with Warren Buffett…

How I Almost Blew It with Warren Buffett…

You’re not going to believe this… I couldn’t dream it up! 

Picture this: I’m juggling show dates like crazy—sometimes getting up to eight calls for the exact same night. Talk about high-class problems, right? 

Media from Berkshire Hathaway performance

Well, in the midst of this booking frenzy, my show manager gets a call that still feels surreal: 

“Warren Buffett wants Michael to paint his portrait live at the Berkshire Hathaway Shareholders Meeting.”

Let that sink in—the most prestigious business gathering on the planet, with 30,000 millionaire shareholders and press from every corner of the globe. No pressure, right?

Stage for 6 AM show at Quest Center entrance

The Impossible Schedule

But here’s the kicker: I was already booked, not just for that day, but for a string of shows leading right up to the Berkshire event. Two days earlier, I’d be at the Reno-Tahoe Open. The next night, I’d fly to Peoria, Illinois, to perform for the Peoria Promise. And immediately after that, I was due in Palm Springs for the Arthritis Foundation (there’s a hilarious story about girl at that show with a secret, but I’ll save it for the end…)

The Berkshire Twist

When my show manager explained that I was already booked for these charity galas, the Berkshire folks offered a mind-blowing solution: 

“We’ll send one of Warren Buffett’s private jets to pick you up.” 

They wanted me to perform at 6 AM before the doors even opened, leaving plenty of time to zip off to Palm Springs afterward. Looking back, it was insane—stressful, exhausting, and yeah, I probably should’ve asked for double pay! 

High-Stakes Logistics

To pull this off, my show manager flew ahead to Tahoe and Peoria, making sure every detail was dialed in. If any event ran late, everything would crumble like a house of cards. Mayor Jim Ardis of Peoria Promise was an absolute rock star—he loved the performance so much the first year, he asked me back. This time, he even arranged a security escort to hustle me out before fans could swarm me. Good call, Jim!

Limo to airport with box dinner

Drop the Brush…

Right at 11 PM, I did my final brushstroke and “Dropped the Brush” in Peoria, said my goodbyes, and raced—still covered in dripping paint—through the crowd to a waiting limo lined with plastic. 

I’m guessing you would not have this problem but, when you are covered in wet paint and it dries, it is stiff, itchy and very uncomfortable…

Fortunately, I had prepare a change of clothes. 

 Next stop?

The cool thing about flying on a Private jet. There’s, No TSA. No lines. The limo pulls right up to the jet and on you go… in this case no luggage, just a boxed dinner, and wheels up for Omaha. My luggage had been forwarded earlier.

Buffett Private Jet

Quest Center Omaha

Cue the 30-Degree Weather…

I’ll be honest: I’m from sunny South Florida, so 70 degrees already feels chilly. Omaha was sitting at a brisk 30. 

My only ask? 

“Please keep my paints indoors overnight so they don’t freeze!”

Well… let’s just say that didn’t exactly happen.

6 AM Showdown

At the crack of dawn, I dragged myself to the convention center. Rows of bleachers crammed with international press. My adrenaline was sky-high. They told me Warren would not be attending—he had a busy day ahead, dealing with 80+ companies. I mentally breathed a sigh of relief… until I spotted him strolling out minutes before I was about to go on.

Warren Buffett came to see Michael paint

Frozen Brushes & Pudding Pops

Then came the announcement: 

“Michael Israel will paint Warren Buffett in eight minutes!” 

Cue the music, the cameras, the lights—I turn to my paint, dip in my brushes, and… they come out like pudding pops. Frozen! 

I was in sheer terror, in front of bleachers full of press from around the world! 

Press gather from across the globe to report on Michael’s painting

What do I do?! 

The music’s roaring, there’s no way to stop. So I just went for it. Painted with pudding pops in front of 30,000 people, cameras rolling, Warren Buffett watching.

The Magic Moment

It was a blur of color and cold fingers. Eight minutes later, against all odds, a towering portrait of Warren Buffett materialized on the canvas.

Sponsored by Benjamin Moore Paints

I was half in shock, half thrilled…

then Warren himself steps up to the stage, only to be stopped by security who cautioned, “Wet paint…” 

He just grinned and said, “I own the stage. Move.”

“I Think We’ll Skip That”

He extended his hand for a handshake, but one glance at my paint-soaked fingers told him, Nope. 

He laughed, I laughed—“Maybe next time.”

We chatted briefly.

The painting was escorted into the convention center by armed guards!

A custom frame, media, and a crowd of people were waiting inside the convention center. 

Guards escort portrait into the Quest Center

And me? After painting and hanging a bit with Mr. Buffett, I sprinted right back to the jet, off to Palm Springs for another performance.

Warren adds his signature to the canvas

 Worth Every Drop of Paint & Sweat!

Wild? Absolutely. Exhausting? You bet. But it was the thrill of a lifetime, a moment I’ll never forget. Sometimes, perseverance (and maybe a dash of insanity) leads to the most unforgettable stories.

FYI – Months after the event, the portrait sold for $100,000 benefiting Girls Inc. of Omaha just after a major market crash I can only imagine what it would have gone for if it had been auctioned during the Shareholders’ Meeting.

Key Takeaways

 

For Fans:
My art isn’t just about painting—it’s about passion under pressure and you never know what will happen at each new event. No matter the challenges, a little grit (and maybe a private jet or two) can turn a near-disaster into a jaw-dropping memory.

For Collectors:
Live art forged in high-stakes scenarios comes with a story—and that story can add priceless character and value to a piece. My works aren’t just paintings; they’re captured moments in time. When you buy a piece, you own the experience.

For Corporate Meeting Planners:
Want an event no one forgets? Or to make your message unforgettable? A high-energy art performance with a mind-blowing finale is the spark that leaves a lasting impression—and leaves your attendees buzzing.

For Charities:
The right artwork and message can translate into big support and unforgettable moments. Art resonates on an emotional level, sparking generosity and goodwill that can elevate any fundraiser bringing new sponsorships, admission ticket sales, and inspiring donation like never before.

Next up after painting Warren Buffett… The girl with a Secret

I said my goodbyes that morning in Omaha and jetted to Palm Springs for my next show that same night. I hate sitting around in my dressing room before a show—I’d much rather be out meeting people. If they don’t recognize me, I don’t mention I’m the headliner they came to see… LOL, it’s fun to see when they finally figure it out. Sometimes, I’ll chat with a little old lady about her cat collection, other times, I dont get to play it low-key when I am booked to do the whole celebrity Meet & Greet in the VIP section. Either way, I meet a lot of interesting people.

 

On this night in Palm Springs… Before my show, I met a stunning woman. Who told me she worked for a magazine but didn’t say much more. She came over after my show and we hit it off instantly—great conversation, lots of laughs. We spent the evening “chatting” (as one does), and eventually, she let slip that the magazine was Penthouse. She said it so casually like she was just another office worker putting together layouts and editing articles.

Purley for research purposes

Curious—but, of course, purely for research purposes—I picked up a copy at the airport on my way home. Flipping through the pages, I turned one, then two… and then—BAM! There she was, spread across multiple pages in all her editorial excellence.

That’s when it hit me: Just like I don’t go around boasting that I’m the headliner, she didn’t feel the need to mention she was the main feature!

Moral of the story? Maybe I should stick around a little longer at events—you never know what kind of surprises the location might have in store! 😏

Wet Paint & 50 Drop-Dead Gorgeous Swimsuit Models: A Night of Unforgettable Art and Fashion

Wet Paint & 50 Drop-Dead Gorgeous Swimsuit Models: A Night of Unforgettable Art and Fashion

Miami, the city of sun-kissed beaches and endless summer vibes has always been synonymous with glamour and style. But when you mix Miami Swimsuit Week, the artistic genius of Jeton Mullaliu, 50 drop-dead gorgeous swimsuit models, the charity powerhouse Shake-A-Leg Miami, and the incomparable Michael Israel in a room at the dazzling Briza on the Bay, you get something truly extraordinary.

Imagine this: Miami Swimsuit Week, an event where beauty meets fashion, is in full swing. The anticipation is palpable as the fashion elite gathers in one of Miami’s most enchanting venues. The air is charged with excitement, and you can feel that something magical is about to happen.

Enter Jeton Mullaliu, the artistic maestro who’s known for turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. With a canvas as vast as his imagination, he embarks on a journey to create something that will leave the world awestruck. And what better way to do it than with the canvas of 50 drop-dead gorgeous swimsuit models, each a living work of art in their own right?

As the night unfolds, Briza on the Bay is transformed into a wonderland of creativity and beauty. The runway is set, the models are poised, and the atmosphere is electric. But there’s one more star waiting in the wings – Michael Israel, the artist whose talents are nothing short of legendary.

Michael’s show begins, and it’s as if time stands still. His art comes to life in a mesmerizing dance of color and form, leaving the audience spellbound. With every brushstroke, he weaves a narrative that transcends words. It’s a performance that reaches into the depths of the soul, leaving an indelible mark on all who witness it.

But this night isn’t just about art; it’s about giving back. Shake-A-Leg Miami, a charity with a heart as big as the ocean, is the benefactor of this spectacular event. As the bidding begins, the room is alive with generosity. Michael’s artwork becomes a vessel for hope, and it’s heartwarming to see how art can change lives.

The crescendo of the evening arrives as Michael’s artwork generates an astounding $88,000 with Shake-a-leg Miami the charity beneficiary. It’s a moment that defines the power of art and the beauty of giving. The funds raised will go on to make a real difference in the lives of those in need, a testament to the magic that can happen when art, fashion, and philanthropy come together.

In the end, what do you get when you combine wet paint, 50 drop-dead gorgeous swimsuit models, Miami Swimsuit Week, Shake-A-Leg Miami, and the brilliance of Michael Israel? You get an epic, mind-blowing White Party Art and fashion event that defies expectations and leaves an indelible mark on all fortunate enough to be there.

It’s a night that reminds us that in the heart of Miami’s glamour, there beats a soul of compassion, creativity, and generosity. And in the strokes of wet paint and the beauty of 50 swimsuit models, we find a fusion of art and humanity that’s nothing short of breathtaking.

JAFCO GALA A CAPITAL SUCCESS!

JAFCO GALA A CAPITAL SUCCESS!

At the JAFCO Gala, a night that will be remembered for its overwhelming success, Michael Israel’s performance contributed to an unforgettable evening. The event was so extraordinary that it exceeded the organization’s capital funding goals, with donations pouring in, extending the night far beyond its scheduled end. Michael’s art auction alone raised an astounding $75,000, cementing the evening as a milestone in JAFCO’s fundraising history.

Michael Israel, the original “Speed Painter” since 1974, has been performing long before the media coined the term “Speed Painting.” Over the years, his work has raised millions of dollars for countless charities, with his heart especially dedicated to causes helping children. Organizations like JAFCO, the Outreach Center, and HomeSafe have all benefited from his unparalleled talent and generosity, with $75,000 raised for JAFCO in one show, $250,000 across several events for the Outreach Center, and more than $250,000 raised over years of working with HomeSafe.

Michael’s talent has captured the admiration of high-profile collectors, including Warren Buffett, Kevin Costner, Jay Leno, Kevin Bacon, Brooks and Dunn, Fortune 500 CEOs, and United States Presidents. His breathtaking performances have fetched up to $100,000 from the world’s leading companies, with his signed originals priced at $35,000 and up, some selling for as much as $250,000. Yet, through his Works4Charity™ grant program, Michael ensures that even the most resource-limited charities can access his exceptional talents at zero cost.

This year, the Works4Charity™ grant program has introduced exciting updates, making it even more impactful. In addition to a free performance, professional crew, travel and production handling, and donating $10,000 to $100,000+ to the charity, the program now guarantees $10,000 in proceeds to ensure no charity is left covering expenses. If sales fall short, Michael personally makes up the difference any show related expenses —a promise that, so far, has never been needed. 

Beyond his role as an entertainer, Michael becomes a true champion for every cause he supports. He often travels a month in advance of events to assist with press conferences, interviews, and special community engagements, such as painting with children at shelters or hospitals. His pre-show meet-and-greet sessions with VIPs and sponsors elevate every event, while his decades of experience ensure a turnkey program that relieves event producers of much of the burden.

Michael’s fame and following are powerful assets for the charities he partners with, helping boost sponsorship dollars, ticket sales, and marketing opportunities. He even invites his top collectors to the auctions, many of whom have become the highest bidders, sometimes purchasing all the available artwork in one go.