Michelle was born in Minnesota, but growing up, she lived all along the western coast of the United States and in Idaho. Her family joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when she was young, and living in Beaverton, Oregon. This decision has proved to be a pivotal point in her life.
Her first taste of art, which she truly enjoyed, came when she was attending Rick College - an introduction to drawing class back in 1985 taught by Robert B. Powell.
It was in the fall of 2014, when accompanying her youngest daughter as she shadowed Joseph Brickey in the Beaux Arts Academy, that Michelle’s love for art was re-awakened.
In 2015, her daughter, Paige, was invited to return to BAA as a student – and having some special needs, Michelle and Larry felt strongly that Michelle should move up to Salt Lake with Paige to support her. But these six months became an amazing experience for both of them, as Michelle became a BAA student as well. They learned about classical architecture from Clayton Vance, and Sacred Anatomy from Lance Harding and Joseph Brickey, who also introduced her to sculpture by referencing the facial features of Michelangelo’s David, and the study of sketching, from many different masters.
Although many students attending BAA have earned previous degrees, Michelle felt very fortunate to be able to attend with virtually no prior experience. This was made possible because of the excellent teachers there that were willing to spend time with individual instruction. In the Beaux Art Academy, students are taught to look to the masters as their guides, which, as a student, Michelle is continuing to do.
She currently resides with her wonderful husband and the youngest of their six children in Tucson, Arizona - and attends online courses through the Beaux-Arts Academy while traveling to Utah to attend the Academy on intervals.
Michelle hopes someday to create art of her own that will inspire people and bring them closer to their Savior.
