My Story
Artist Statement
Many of my artworks symbolize the feeling of "Coming Home," flying into the embrace of loved ones. The vibrant colors and subtle textures evoke a wide spectrum of emotions associated with being surrounded by those you cherish.
"My art embodies my fascination with mystery and beauty – a delightful fusion of whimsical and joyful elements!" Michelle explains. By layering paint to create a rich tapestry from color and form, she weaves a captivating narrative. Michelle's bold and confident approach to storytelling often incorporates mixed media elements.
Awards
JUROR'S CHOICE AWARD, Quinte Arts Council | 2021
2 HONOURABLE MENTIONS, Greater Napanee and Area Arts Association | 2021
OUTSTANDING ABSTRACT, Belleville Art Association | 2017
BELLEVILLE MAYOR’S CHOICE AWARD, National Air Force Museum of Canada | 2016
Solo Exhibition
L&A Museum solo, “Resonance” | 2016
Juried Exhibitions
McMichael Canadian Art Collection Autumn Art Sale 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2021 (Online) | 2024
John M. Parrott Gallery 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 (Online)
Rosedale Art Fair |2018 | 2019 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024
Greater Napanee and Area Arts Association 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2021| 2022 | 2024
PEC Studio Tour 2018 | 2019 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025
L&A Studio Tour 2023 | 2024 | 2025
Buckhorn Festival of the Arts | 2021 (online) | 2022
Quinte Arts Council, Expressions | 2021 | 2022
Selected Group Shows & Art Fairs
One of a Kind Spring Show | 2019 | 2025
One of a Kind Winter Show | 2019 | 2020 (online) | 2021
Juniper Island Art Festival | 2021 (online)
L&A Hospital |2017 | 2018
L&A Library |2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020
Art at the Lake |2016 | 2017 | 2021 | 2022
Art Among the Ruins |2017 | 2018 | 2019
Schomberg Street Gallery | 2022
Shuttleworth Farms Arts & Crafts | 2022 | 2024
Michelle Hutchinson is an award-winning Canadian abstract floral artist who is deeply inspired by the natural beauty of her rural surroundings.
Her original acrylic and mixed media paintings are celebrated for their vitality, energy, and spontaneity expressed in joyful colours and subtle mark-making. Michelle’s intuitive style involves working in successive layers building depth and mystery by revealing and concealing objects until the storytelling becomes clear.
Born and raised in Toronto, she later moved to Sharon, Windsor, and Welland with her family due to her father's career, before returning to Toronto where she spent most of her adult life. A primarily self-taught artist, Michelle honed her painting skills under guidance from her mother, Rene O'Connor, and her sister, Danielle O'Connor Akiyama, both accomplished artists.
Michelle pursued graduate and post graduate studies in Computing Technology in Education at Nova Southeastern University in Florida. After a career in corporate and instructional communications, Michelle and her husband looked forward to retiring near The County to dedicate herself to her art full-time.
Michelle holds degrees as an Ed. S. Educational Specialist, and a M.Sc. Computing Technology in Education from Nova Southeastern University, Florida, both informing her passion for lifelong learning. Michelle is a member of the PEC Arts Council, Quinte Arts Council, Belleville Art Association, and the Greater Napanee and Area Arts Association. She regularly participates in member and juried shows and presents mixed media workshops.
Michelle finds artistic influence in Cy Twombly for his unrestrained artistic expression and Charles-Marie Dulac for his enigmatic and divine touch. Viewers connect deeply with Michelle's use of color. Her artwork "Voices" relates the discovery of the graves of indigenous school children in western Canada and was honored with a 2021 Quinte Art Council's Juror's Choice Award.