Workshops & Demos

PART TIME Installation ARTIST

“Michael John is a tremendously passionate person who brings energy and vision to all of his projects. He has vast experience in the arts and culture arena ranging from design to marketing to management. Michael has a knack for the big picture, but you can trust him with details.”

— Julie Pinsonneault (she/her)

Communications Strategist | Executive Writer & Editor | Inclusion, Diversity & Equity Champion

Entrepreneur

“Michael JOHN is a dynamic, high energy individual. He is passionate about his work and always willing to accommodate everyone. His creativity and out-of-the-box thinking help fuel his entrepreneurial spirit.”

— DAN LENT, Vice President Business Banking Citizens BAnk

‘PRINCE OF POP-UPS’

#ROLLERBUFFET IS a POP-UP immersive roller skating experience that will transport you into a fabulous retro roller disco.

A self-motivated creative

“I am most impressed by his ability to bring people together and captivate an audience, either through design, through performance, or through education.”

- Jennifer Russo Director of Marketing, Communications, & Events at Syracuse University
School of Education

FEEDBACK SEEKER

“Michael puts the people in place-making. His charisma and optimism make him fun to follow so people do. With an eye for the undiscovered jewels in an urban landscape, Michael creates unique events and experiences that truly crackle with adventure. I am convinced from watching his activities for a decade that he can meet any challenge that requires creativity, contacts and enthusiasm. Michael sees possibilities that others do not. He can populate a highway underpass with minstrels, turn a bus stop into a salon to debate last year’s election or transform an abandoned building into a venue for a dance competition. He can bring history, intriguing surprises , unique experiences and new life to your property, staff meeting, class, convention or family celebration. When my son wanted to introduce a half dozen thirty-something friends from Toronto to Syracuse’s finer features I put them in Michael’s good hands. These fairly sophisticated urbanites are still talking about Syracuse 8 years later. He also helped me to teach a creative place-making class at Syracuse University . The students were similarly enthusiastic. If you want to enliven an overlooked property or fashion a unique celebration for your business or family you want Michael!”

— Marilyn Higgins Former Vice president for community engagement and economic impact at Syracuse University

EXPLORER + LOCAL GUIDE

“I moved to Syracuse in 2006. Kitty Hoynes quickly became our favorite spot and Michael John Heagerty was our favorite server. He exudes positive vibrations and his passion for all things Syracuse is infectious. The man is indefatigable. It has been amazing to see all of the good that Michael has done for the city, from the Yellow Fellow, the Parklets, to the apotheosis of all things Heagerty, The Wildflowers Armory and McCarthy Mercantile. As a community ambassador, creative maven, and small business owner, the 315 is an infinitely better place because of Michael John Heagerty.”

— Robert Searing, Curator of History,
Onondaga Historical Association

Community advocate + admirer

FAN OF WES ANDERSON FILMS

#OVERPASSFEST IS A WEEKLY SUMMER SERIES THAT Focuses on spreading positivity & uniting the creative community. Local musicians and artists line the path and bring life to a underused public space.

Risk Taker, PLACE MAKER

“Heagerty is a staunch supporter of our local artists here in Syracuse. He is someone that is so passionate about the history and lore of Syracuse that he studies its past with an earnestness that is astonishing in it’s breadth. Michael is a student of syracuse’s hidden passageways and conduit of collaboration for its residents. Once he gets talking about our mighty salt city he will leave you with a feeling of amazement and appreciation for the city that pulls you along on a wave of love for Syracuse.”

— Cayetano Valenzuela, Black Rabbit Studios

Wildflowers Armory is a multi-vendor marketplace making sure that Syracuse is filled with opportunities for local makers, artists and creators to blossom.