Michel Girard was born in Montucon, France in 1939 and studied art at the Academie Charpentier and the Academie Julian. By the age of 20, he had already exhibited in Paris and Lyon. In 1960, his work began to be recognized internationally.\par \par Since 1980, Girard's work has continued to be shown around the world and honors have been numerous. Among the most prestigious, recognition has included the Grand Prize at the International Contemporary Art Festival in Monte Carlo, First Prize at the Salon des Artistes Francias and first prize at the famed Salon d'Automne.