NOOK AND CRANNY ART STUDIO

Renee Michaud  Mixed Media Artist

My name is Renee Michaud, I am a 2D mixed media artist living in the beautiful Upper Peninsula of Michigan. My family and I make our home just outside of the small town of Ishpeming enjoying the pleasures of a “Yooper’s” life.

I earned a degree in art education from Michigan State University in 1976. My area of emphasis while at State was printmaking, which lends itself well to the layering techniques in my collages. My mixed media pieces draw on a multitude of resources including paper that I have created or found, fabrics, threads (usually old authentic collections) acrylic paints, inks, pastels, old photos, found objects, venetian plaster and drywall compounds to mention a few. The list is endless. I basically up cycle the world around me using what I have found to build my compositions layer by layer. It is the mystery of the “underneath”…. the layering that allows the storytelling to emerge. By building up the surface areas my works are no longer flat two dimensional pieces, but are sculpted and rise from the support giving texture and depth to each creation allowing a 2D work to take on a 3D effect.

I own the Nook and Cranny Art Studio, a cozy work and display space in the historic Gossard Building in Ishpeming, Michigan where one may view my collages, silks and jewelry. I am a member of the Lake Superior Art Association and The International Society of Experimental Artists. I have been in a variety of shows across the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and states such as Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Maryland. Recent displays include my work at ArtPrize 2017 in Grand Rapids Michigan, Artsfest at AnneMarie Sculptured Gardens in conjunction with the Smithsonian Institution Solomon, Maryland, ArtiGras Green Bay, Wisconsin and ISEA at Bethlehem, Pennsylvania at the Crayola Factory. I have had the honor of being awarded the First Time Exhibitors Award of LSAA 2012, a featured Artist Award at the Northern Exposure Art Show 2013 and the First Prize 2D at the Great Lakes Showcase 2014.

As an artist and educator I find great pleasure in supporting other artists and teaching individuals within the community. The diverse needs of wide eyed four year olds versus the mature adult gives me the opportunity to stretch my knowledge and techniques strengthening my own artistry. The journey of learning and creating should never cease and I am amazed at the talent that surrounds us and delight in being part of that world.

Art plays many roles in the world, but I believe one of is greatest gifts is to bring joy and beauty to the viewer, coaxing a smile, laugh or sigh as you gaze upon the piece before you.