Michael Bonilla Retires from The Modern

[KETTERING, OH, 12/13/18] – After working over 20 years for The Modern College of Design as an art and illustration instructor, Michael Bonilla will retire on December 31, 2018.

Michael Bonilla has been a professional illustrator and artist for more than 40 years. After graduating from Macomb College in Michigan, Bonilla’s career began in Detroit as an illustrator for the auto industry. His career led him to Dayton where he worked as an illustrator with Wanamaker’s Art Studio for seven years and then Graphica Design and Communications Group for nine years. Bonilla's career as an educator began at The Modern in 1995.

During his career, he received many advertising illustration awards from the New York Art Director’s Club, The Visual Club N.Y., Print Regional Design Annual, Art Director’s Club of Cincinnati, Columbus Society of Communication Arts, the American Advertising Federation-Dayton, and others. His work has been featured in many exhibits, and a commissioned piece hangs at the National Museum of the United States Air Force.

“Michael’s artistic talent inspired hundreds of students while he was with the college,“ offered President Jessica Barry. “While we are excited for his future, he will be greatly missed.”

Alumni can congratulate him on his retirement at an event being hosted by The Modern on campus on January 10, 2019, from 6 – 8 p.m.