Michael Snook is the co-founder and manages the daily operations of NIMBY, one of the Bay Areas oldest and largest industrial art-spaces.

Born on the outskirts of Boston, Massachusetts, Snook and his family moved to the West Coast shortly after he was born. Growing up, Snook was a innovative businessman who could always turn someone else’s junk into his communities’ benefit. In the early 1990′s, Snook moved to the Bay Area where he discovered the vibrant underground art scene. He quickly became integral after creating one of the first community spaces and gardens at the Albany Bulb.

In 2000, Snook joined the Burning Man Department of Public Works (DPW), the core crew that builds the infrastructure for the week-long art festival held annually in the Black Rock desert of Nevada. He was inspired by and felt kindred to the people creating and building in one of the harshest natural environments with nothing but determination. During his 4 year tenure with DPW he was both the heavy-equipment operator and ranch manager. In his true understated fashion, he became known as the go-to-guy for making mission impossible happen.

Through his connection to Burning Man, Snook rented a container at The Shipyard, one of the original industrial art spaces located in Berkeley, CA. Being at the core of this operation, he soon realized his own aspiration for developing affordable and inspiring workspace for artists in the bay area. That is his art. He embarked the journey that is now known as NIMBY.

Through NIMBY, Snook supports most of the industrial artists in the Bay Area. NIMBY has ushered the creation of Colossus, Dance Dance Immolation, and the Steam Punk Tree House just to name a few of the pieces. With over 40 groups and 200 affiliated artists, NIMBY is the largest space of its kind in the Bay Area. Throughout the creation of NIMBY Snook has maintained his resourceful nature. Not only does he guide artists in using re-purposed materials, but much of the infrastructure of NIMBY itself has been created from recycled material.

Demand is ever growing for affordable space to accommodate anywhere from the DIY enthusiast to the professional artist. NIMBY offers a unique opportunity for many mediums to mix in a centralized location and for people to support each other in carving the new frontier for art.