Born into a family with a rich history of visual artistry, Kassel naturally gravitated towards the arts, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a focus in illustration in 2010.

Drawing inspiration from vintage advertisements and graphic design, Kassel’s work often portrays the leisure-seeking working class, featuring imagery of alcohol and tobacco products that reflect both social celebrations and the darker aspects of substance dependency. His choice of materials, such as salvaged wood and household paint, adds a rustic, handcrafted quality to his pieces.

The project was made possible by the generous support of Shaffran Companies, the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority, and contributions from private donors who are passionate about public art in Ann Arbor.