Michael Rieger is a photographer, sculptor, and community arts activist. He has worked as a photographer and public information officer for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for over twelve years. During that time he has responded to over 23 disasters, including 9-11 World Trade Centers, Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, Colorado wildfires, and many other tornados, floods, and hurricanes. Rieger has also worked internationally, using his lens to capture moments of community building and artistic expression throughout the world, including Thailand, Egypt, and Europe. A native Coloradan, Rieger is a leader in the Colorado arts community. He is one of the owners of Lapis Gallery in Northwest Denver, featuring the work of local artists. He also supports the work of the next generation of artists as Art Director for Larimer Arts Association and the curating artist for Project LEAD, a program that helps bring arts education into the Denver Public Schools. Rieger’s work has been shown in many galleries, festivals and museums through out the United States. His photos have been published all over the world and are part of the Smithsonian’s Photographic History Collection Archives.