About Michelle Goldshlag
As a child I was always making things. I developed my own concoctions in the kitchen, mixing together whatever ingredients I could get my hands on. I used my chemistry set to develop my own perfume, with interesting results! I sat at the kitchen table for hours with our old family typewriter, creating my own fictional stories. I pictured a life as an architect when I grew up.
Although, in the end, I did not pursue architecture in college, I did choose a path that would allow me the creative expression and artistic development that I craved. I came to Amherst, MA, from Saratoga Springs, NY, to go to college at the University of Massachusetts. I graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Studio Art and Spanish, and a minor in Art History.
My personal work goes through phases. The past couple of years have been devoted to mixed-medium collage work. I also enjoy working with paint, sculpture, pencils, chalk, and a variety of other mediums as well.
Although I contemplated studying Visual Arts Education in college, there was always a desire within me to do something outside of the rigid constraints and policies that rule the public school system. I do think a general introduction to the arts is important for every child, but I wanted to create an avenue for more individual, detailed instruction for those who want to go further than a basic curriculum. Growing Artists is the result of that vision.
After graduation from UMass in 2002, I started working full-time at a local veterinary clinic, and my dream of Growing Artists took a back seat for a time. I have grown to love my job and the people I work with at the Westover Animal Clinic, but it is not a career for me.
My husband, Jonah, and I married in May, 2005, and now, a year and half later, I am able to shift to part-time at the clinic in order to pursue Growing Artists.
Jonah and I currently reside in Northampton, MA, and have no intention of leaving any-time soon. We love it here!
Credentials
Professional Experience
8/05-present: Growing Artists
Created a business providing an artistic outlet for individual growth.
· Developed lesson plans for students of all ages.
· Taught art classes for home-schooled children.
· Commissioned for site-specific art works.
2000-2003: Mad Science of Western New England
Educated primary school students in chemistry, biology and physics through
engaging hands-on experiments and instruction.
Exhibitions
2006: Arbor Massage - Rt. 116 - South Hadley, MA
Created (2.5"x5.5") Collage #1 in series of 3
Beloved (2.5"x5.5") Collage #2 in series of 3
Lover (2.5"x5.5") Collage #3 in series of 3
2005: Auction - 365 North Pleasant St. - Amherst, MA
Life Giver (1'5"x5'6") Painting on Canvas
Untitled (1'x 1'2") Wood Sculpture
Testimonial (10" x 4'5") Collage on wood
2002: Herter Art Gallery, University of Massachusetts, Amherst
- Amherst, MA
Untitled (3'x3' per piece) 5 piece paint on wood
Commissioned Work
2004: Jeremy Procon - Ludlow, MA
Hand painted border in client's bathroom (~10'x8')
Hand painted border and mural in children's bedroom (12'x 13')
Certifications
Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure
5/14/05 Communication and Literacy Skills
5/13/06 Visual Arts Exam