About this Installation
Michelle is a multidisciplinary Cree, Métis and Scottish artist whose work is rooted in memory, cultural identity and the quiet relational moments that shape everyday life. Raised in Calgary by a father who was a prominent Indigenous artist, she grew up surrounded by creativity and collaboration, experiences that continue to guide her approach to creating.
Her practice spans stained glass, pyrography, drawing, painting, mixed media and craft‑based techniques. She often blends traditional and contemporary materials in ways that reflect the mixing of cultures within her own family, grounding each piece in intention and symbolism.
For this exhibition, Michelle created a pyrography and mixed‑media work featuring two magpies holding a red string of fate, framed by a wooden wreath and Alberta wild roses. These elements reflect her more than 20 years living in northeast Calgary, where magpies, roses and community ties have shaped her daily landscape. The piece speaks to connection, place and the threads that bind people to each other and to home.
Michelle’s work continues to honour her heritage, lived experiences and the communities that have supported her creative path.
About the Mini Gallery Program
The Northeast Mini Galleries Public Art Program includes 10 mini galleries, located at different community associations. The mini galleries feature 30 artists throughout the year — each exhibition showcases 10 local artists, selected by a local curator, for a four-month period.
The Northeast Mini Galleries program started in 2023 as part of the City of Calgary’s Northeast Public Art Initiative which brings several public art projects to Calgary’s northeast communities, supports local artists, enhances northeast neighbourhoods and reflects the people who live in the communities where the art will be located.
This initiative aims to build amazing spaces for people to come together and provides opportunities for local artists to showcase their talent while celebrating the diversity of artforms, people and cultures represented in northeast Calgary.
Information about the current exhibition and artwork featured in this gallery can be found on Calgary Arts Development's website.