Michael served as Resident Artist and teacher at the University of Oregon; Co-coordinator for the Portland Music Associations Mayor's Ball '91 '92; Coordinator and creator for the Portland Music Associations Crystal Awards; CEO of Avatar Records, responsible for charting three top twenty singles; Personal Manager for the musical group brydge, and has won numerous awards for his ceramic art and design. Michael Berkley has been teaching and displaying his works for over 30 years. His interest in Archeology and Ancient Sumer started early in his career and continues to influence his work. The work Michael produces centers around the Inner Activity; its reach from the root of Self, and the Activities that subsequently rise to the surface and leave their Marks. Whether from absolutely perfectly thrown porcelain or stoneware clays, (during his production days), to his present day work, Michael continues to explore all aspects of this medium. Michael's ability to express is shown through his wheelwork, sculpture and workshops. He is known for being a natural teacher with the ability to reach people at all levels of skill. Michael has been in California for over 12 years and has been teaching at the Walnut Civic Arts Center for over 10 years. Michael is unique in his teaching style and techniques for beginning students. He is able to teach them how to center 3 to 5 pounds of clay in less than 15 seconds and is often asked to teach his "anyone can center" workshops. Besides his love and commitment to new and all students, Michael teaches, intermediate, advanced and Raku classes. Michael continues to do workshops and is always asked back once given.