My Story

 

"Drawing heavily on my connection with rural Ontario, I explore the themes of courage, and joy  in the midst of uncertainty using the motifs of nature. 

In this unprecedented time of uncertainty, we all face new challenges that test our patience, dreams, and faith. For those who look for it, there is always a silver lining. My silver lining has been more time to work in the studio with fewer pressures and greater opportunity for more thoughtfulness."

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)
John M. Parrott Gallery 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 (Online)
Greater Napanee and Area Arts Association 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2021
PEC Studio Tour 2018 | 2019 | 2021 | 2022Quinte Arts Council, Expressions 2021
Buckhorn Festival of the Arts | 2021 (online) | 2022

Selected Group Shows & Art Fairs

One of a Kind Spring Show | 2019
One of a Kind Winter Show | 2019 | 2020 (online) | 2021
Rosedale Art Fair |2018 | 2019 | 2022
Buckhorn Festival of the Arts |2022
Juniper Island Art Festival | 2021 (online)
Quinte Arts Council, Expressions | 2021 
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

Galleries
Colborne Street Gallery, Fenelon Falls
Dancing Moon Gallery, Westport
SideStreet Gallery, Wellington

 

Michelle Hutchinson is inspired by views of the lakes, rivers, open skies, trees, flowers, and fields that surround her studio. Layered with fluidity and rich colour, Michelle's works tell stories of the mystery, resiliency, and joyfulness found in nature, reflective of her own spiritual journey.

Michelle is a self-taught artist who came by her love for art from her mother, Rene O’Connor - an award-winning artist and painting teacher - and her sister, Danielle O'Connor Akiyama - winner of the Florence Biennale President's Choice award representing Canada in 2009.

Michelle’s love for art was only eclipsed by her passion for entrepreneurship. She pursued initiatives in marketing communications, learning, technical writing, and process improvement. Building a new house in mid-town Toronto proved to be the perfect opportunity to add a dedicated studio. “Every day before heading to the office, I would paint for a couple of hours in my studio. It invigorated my soul for the day and gave me purpose!” However, the paints were set aside for a few years when Michelle pursued graduate and post graduate studies.

After retiring to rural southeastern Ontario, Michelle picked up her brushes again. Most days Michelle can be found in her studio experimenting with new mark-making tools, interesting textures, and expressive colours.