Brian Micheal Reed was raised in Ivydale, WV approximately one hour from Charleston. As a fifteen-year-old, he accompanied his art teacher to figure drawing sessions in the lower level of Taylor Books. After graduating from Clay County High School he went on to achieve a degree in painting and art history from James Madison University and then a masters degree from Yale.

Reed draws creative energy from the study of a wide variety of cultural experiences, global religions, and art techniques.

Through his art, Reed seeks to advocate for unity and foster international understanding. To date, his projects have encompassed regional immersions in China, Japan, Indonesia, Appalachia, Mexico, and Israel. The work highlights common aspects of the cultures to serve as a bridge between groups separated by geographic, political, and linguistic barriers.

His work has been exhibited and collected by the Museum of the Americas (DC), The Huntington Museum of Art, The Yuz Museum (Shanghai), the Shanghai Himalayas Museum of Art, The West Virginia Culture Center, and the Hanshan Art Museum (Suzhou, China). His work has been reviewed by The NY Times, The Washington Post, Global Times, Shanghai Daily, The Charleston Gazette-Mail, GQ Magazine, and various other publications.

This is first time exhibiting at Taylor Books.