Michael Bliss

Born in 1971 Michael Bliss spent his childhood in Colorado. He realized his passion for film during his teenage years. At age 24 he moved to Austin, Texas to study and make films. While working at an Art gallery he became friends with artists, teachers, students and filmmakers. His passion for film has landed him on the set with some of todays top directors. While working on the set with Robert Rodriquez he did everything from working behind the scenes to playing a news cameraman. Bliss' passion for film is matched by his passion for life and his community.

Michael is blessed with two wonderful children, Taylor and Austin. His son Austin was born premature. His struggle to keep his son alive was the backdrop for  Blissfest 3 , a Benefit for Premature Infants. Each Blissfest is structured to support a special cause.  Blissfest 1 & 2 were benefits to help find a cure for AIDS. Blissfest 4 to help abused animals and Blissfest 5 to help angel eyes.

Michael moved back to Colorado from Texas to be with his mother who passed away in 2003.  Michael has made contacts in the film, television and non-profit communitys. Bliss has a sizeable group behind him as he heads into  promoting Blissfest333 Sponsors include Steiner SILS, Cafe' Lotus, Fort Morgan Times, Coates Realty Inc, Newborn Hope, Springs Magazine, The Independent, local television & radio, Business Owners and countless members of the community. Bliss is sure to make an impact in the Colorado Arts & Non-Profit Community.

Bliss came up with the Idea of the first Bliss Festival In 1999 when He had an art studio at The Artplex In Austin,Texas. Gary Peden was part owner and property manager and he rented a studio from him. At the time Bliss was doing extra work with  Robert Rodriquez . (The Faculity, Grindhouse, Spy Kids, etc) Gary Peden really helped him out. Bliss was a starving artist , so Gary gave him a job working at the Artplex and gave Bliss a free studio for his work. This changed Bliss' life and then one day Gary was suppose to give Bliss a key for the Artplex. He was told the key would be put under the door of  his studio. The key never showed up.Then Bliss made a phone call and found out Gary was in the hospital and they are ready to pull the plug. So right away he went to the hospital and saw Gary. Bliss told him how much he helped him out and thanked him. Then a tear came from his eye. He took his last breath. So in celebration of his life Bliss has created Blissfest. In memory of Gary Pedon. Also In memory of the Artplex which caught fire Januraury 31 2005. Each Festival is for a great cause and Blissfest 5 benefited Angel Eyes (Formely the Colorado SIDS Program) In memory of all the children and babies.

Blissfest333 Is about  community and the Arts. Getting together in a positive environment. Meeting artists and community in a non-competitive Festival. Every, race, color and religion is welcome.  Every walk of life is invited. This is about Peace and  Bliss the arts and charitable causes.

 Blissfest III

The Trilogy

 A benefit for families of premature babies

http://www.newbornhope.org

Blissfest 5

Picture By Mary Pacheco

In Memory Of

Margaret (Kochevar) Walcott

Grandmother

 82, of Lakewood, CO passed away September 23, 2009.

Michael Taggart

June 7, 2010

Michael Bliss' Father

Donna Lea Wright July 10, 2009

Gary Peden  Click Name

 Artplex owner

Barbara Taggart

Michael Bliss'  Mother

Taz

In memory of all the children and babies 

 Angel Eyes

Core Values
• Counseling and Support: Offer compassionate and professional bereavement counseling and support services at no charge to families, caregivers and others that are impacted by the sudden, unexpected death of an infant or toddler.

• Education & Awareness: Keep babies and toddlers healthy by awareness, prevention and risk reduction education to the Colorado community.

• Research: Support efforts to reduce the incidence of infant and toddler deaths. Maintain statistical data that is available and of value to researchers.

Vision
• Provide accurate, culturally competent information and education to the Colorado community regarding SIDS and other sudden, unexpected infant and toddler deaths, while advocating for maternal health care including preconception care, prenatal care and postnatal care;

• Provide every Colorado family who has experienced the sudden, unexpected death of an infant or toddler with a personal contact within 48 hours of death being reported, along with informational packets containing appropriate literature regarding the death and bereavement issues;

• Provide professional case management, information, and support services in a culturally competent and linguistically appropriate manner to those affected by a sudden, unexpected infant or toddler death for a minimum of two years following the death;

• Provide comprehensive services to families that go beyond bereavement support to include assistance and/or referrals to help with the funeral, rent, food and other emergency needs;

• Provide accurate data regarding SIDS, SUDC or SUID in Colorado; determine trends that might reflect areas of program or educational needs; and

• Provide sufficient operating funds to support Angel Eyes.

Blissfest 4           benefit to help animals Stiener Sils Fort Morgan Humane Society Blissfest 3 KRDO Interview Pictures