Michael Robert Pollard
https://linktr.ee/MRPollard2112
mallardrocks@gmail.com
Born in Queens, NYC
1970
Lives in Chicago
Left heart in San Francisco

Michael Robert Pollard attended the San Francisco Art Institute, graduating with honors in 1997 with a BFA in Painting. Pollard returned to SFAI in 200-01 for Post Baccalaureate Studies. From 1998 to 2003, Pollard resided in Davis, California, developing his creative practice and exhibiting in nonprofit, DIY, and academic art spaces. He grew professionally in the creative fields by volunteering, working, and mentoring others at non-profit and university art institutions at the University of California, Davis. and served as a City of Davis Artist Commissioner in addition to curating DIY Art exhibitions and salons.

Pollard and his family relocated to Chicago in 2004. He quickly immersed himself in the Chicago Artist community not only as a participant and exhibitor but also by securing employment at cultural institutions such as the Smart Museum of Art and the Art Institute of Chicago, and, currently, as a Project Manager for the Facilities and Real Estate division of the YMCA of Metro Chicago.

Pollard’s artwork continues to be actively shown in solo and group exhibitions across the United States, ranging from Northern California to Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Illinois, Indiana, Oregon, and Southern California.

In addition to his own active practice since 2022, he has been co-curating exhibitions, both online and in person, with partners at the Free Range Artist Gallery and the San Francisco Art Alumni Association at the Tryst International Artist Fair. In 2025, Pollard expanded his curatorial endeavors by co-founding the artist collective Redbird and Mallard Projects with St. Louis Artist and collaborator David Hoker. Redbird and Mallard have developed an online presence to develop artistic opportunities and exposure for themselves and others, with exhibitions to follow soon.


Pollard resides in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago with his partner Robin, their blended family, and two pesky cats.