My name is Michelle Patschke and I am a child of God, an artist, a self-proclaimed chef, coffee enthusiast, and an alumni of Towson University amongst other things. I graduated in May 2013 with my Bachelor of Science in Art and Design, and now I am working after a year of travel.
From January 2014 until November 2014 I served as a missionary to bring the love of Jesus to 11 countries around the world. The trip opened my eyes to the basic needs that many people lack access to, and sparked a desire in my heart to use my talent and passion to bring about change through art. My vision is to teach basic art courses in slum communities around the world, empowering people to create using the resources around them. I then want to act as a liaison to marketplaces worldwide where their work can be sold and the funds returned to the artists. The cost of living for a person in the Filipino slum community where I stayed last year was only $7USD a day and I believe that art education could provide the means for sustainable income for many of these families. This dream is still developing but it is a vision I hope to put into action within the next two years.
In my own work, I am inspired by love, freedom, and identity. I believe that every single person has inexpressible worth and value; that we are each one of a kind in this world and have so much to offer. I love to use art as a vehicle to reveal that truth; and hopefully inspire that revelation in the hearts of my viewers.
Painting is one of my favorite mediums, and as I paint I worship and commune with God through the process. He inspires me and speaks to me, teaching me about His love and my worth as I create. I am made in His image and He is the ultimate Creator; making something out of nothing. In the same way, He invites me into the beautiful privilege of making something that has never existed in the world before. For me, that is the thrill of art.
From January 2014 until November 2014 I served as a missionary to bring the love of Jesus to 11 countries around the world. The trip opened my eyes to the basic needs that many people lack access to, and sparked a desire in my heart to use my talent and passion to bring about change through art. My vision is to teach basic art courses in slum communities around the world, empowering people to create using the resources around them. I then want to act as a liaison to marketplaces worldwide where their work can be sold and the funds returned to the artists. The cost of living for a person in the Filipino slum community where I stayed last year was only $7USD a day and I believe that art education could provide the means for sustainable income for many of these families. This dream is still developing but it is a vision I hope to put into action within the next two years.
In my own work, I am inspired by love, freedom, and identity. I believe that every single person has inexpressible worth and value; that we are each one of a kind in this world and have so much to offer. I love to use art as a vehicle to reveal that truth; and hopefully inspire that revelation in the hearts of my viewers.
Painting is one of my favorite mediums, and as I paint I worship and commune with God through the process. He inspires me and speaks to me, teaching me about His love and my worth as I create. I am made in His image and He is the ultimate Creator; making something out of nothing. In the same way, He invites me into the beautiful privilege of making something that has never existed in the world before. For me, that is the thrill of art.
Education
2013
2011 2008 |
Towson University Honors College; Towson, Maryland
Bachelor of Science in Art and Design Dean’s List (Fall 2009-Fall 2012) Cumulative GPA: 3.9 Study Abroad: Studio Art Centers International; Florence, Italy Maryland Institute College of Art; Pre-College |
Honors and Awards
2009-2013
2009-2013 2009-2013 2012 2009-2010 2009-2010 |
Honors College Scholarship
Provost Scholarship Maryland Distinguished Scholar Award Delegate Scholarship Howard County Art Council Scholarship Delegate Scholarship |
Exhibitions
Mar. 2013
Dec. 2012 Dec. 2012 Jul. 2008 |
Fingerprints, Freedom, and Faith; solo show, 4th Floor Gallery, Center for the Arts, Towson University, Maryland
Altre Cose; SACI Painting Space, Florence, Italy Undivided; Chiesa Evangelica, Florence, Italy MICA Precollege Exhibition; Main Building, Baltimore, Maryland |
Curated Shows
Apr. 2013
Dec. 2011 |
Untitled; curated an exhibit in Tower A, 1st floor lounge space, Towson University
Undivided; curated an art show of personal and peer work |
Related Experience
Jun-Jul. 2011
Sep-Dec. 2011 |
Counselor, Skycroft Conference Center; Middletown, Maryland
Created a painting during each nightly sermon to illustrate the pastor’s message Study Abroad; Florence, Italy Volunteered as an English speaking tour guide in the Florence Cathedral |