Born 1977, Detroit, Michigan. VanderKaay received his MFA from the Lamar Dodd School of Art– Athens, Georgia and his BFA from Northern Michigan University– Marquette, Michigan. At both institutions VanderKaay balanced his training as a sculptor with the self-taught dual role of a painter and draftsman. His current creative activities stem from the integrated practices of drawing, photography and sculpture; wherein he maneuvers whimsical and familiar forms into alternative narratives for rational thought. A pervading sense of practicality is found in his artworks; subtly teasing viewers with content that is weighted with physical and conceptual wit. VanderKaay is Assistant Professor of Art and Director of Studio Art at Oakland University– Rochester, Michigan.