After pursuing dual careers in biochemistry and weaving, Michael Rohde left behind a job as director of a biotechnology research lab in 1998 to devote full time to his craft. Weaving has been a fervent activity since 1973. His formal training in drawing, color and design was at the Alfred Glassel School of the Houston Museum of Fine Arts. His activities include lectures, workshop teaching, juror, exhibition organizer and exhibitor in many local, national and international juried and invited shows.

Recently his work has been included in the United States Department of State Art in Embassies Program, an exhibit at the American Craft Museum in New York, the invitation Triennial of Tapestry in Lodz, Poland, from Lausanne to Beijing, Houses from Nomads (a solo exhibit at the Janina Monkute-Marks Museum in Lithuania), an exhibition at the Mingei International Museum in Balboa Park in San Diego and the permanent collections of the Mingei, San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles, and The Art Institute of Chicago.