Since childhood Michelle Calkins has found solace in the creation of art. In her work she emphasizes spontaneity, integrity and quality. It is her gift and she tries not to waste it. Painting, oil, photography and sculpture are her media of choice. Since 1990, she has been a professional picture framer and so the presentation aspect of the art world is always on her mind. She says it is amazing what a great frame can do. Michelle says there has been a great and constant inspiration that keeps her on her art toes. She studied art at Hope College in Holland, Michigan from where she graduated in 1990 with a degree in Art History and Art with a concentration in Painting. After her graduation she embarked on serious work of art and since then her art are collected internationally.
Michelle has her original prints and pieces in many corporate and private collections. Michelle says from the time she can remember she was always making some kind of art. As a child Michelle was happy to coordinate her eye and hand, to copy and to achieve technical mastery of her tools. She was very enthusiastic and felt joy of craft, of handling paper and brush, paint and chalk. She delighted in the intimacy she gained through close look at a subject. She wanted and even today she wants her viewers to enjoy her art as much as she enjoys the process of producing them. She produces artwork that she can also proudly hang on her own wall.