After earning a BFA and MFA in sculpture and training under distinguished furniture artist Wendell Castle, Michael Beitz continued his studies with several artist-in-residence programs. His extensive training is reflected in the creation of his sculptures, which offer an eye-catching, thought-provoking experience at expositions and installations across the US and around the world. Michael Beitz takes ordinary furniture pieces, such as a picnic table, and adds movement and an element of the surreal reminiscent of Dali's paintings. For example, one piece consists of a 28-foot-long table that curves up in the center into loops like a knot, appearing flexible despite being made of wood. He sees that table and other similar works as a commentary on psychological realities. Instead of a simple table where one can have an intimate conversation, the table gives rather a sense of isolation to the persons sitting at each end. Michael Beitz has also lectured on art and taught other artists. In one workshop, he worked with 15 artists on New Holland Island to create casts of ordinary objects they then hid for a public scavenger hunt.