Michelle Van Velzen was raised in Laguna Beach, California with her family and one younger brother who is an artist- photographer. Her father (Fred Van Velzen), an artist as well, was from Holland and moved to Laguna Beach at the age of 13. Her father's art was always around the house, which provided great inspiration. Michelle's mother (Kathryn Hatfied) a caring and creative woman was also a muse for Michelle. So, from a young age she was not only influenced by her exposure to art, but she was as equally drawn to it and found herself drawing as often as she could.

Throughout school, Michelle took art electives and then went to Saddleback College for her Associates in Art. Later, she transferred to CSULB, where she received her Bachelor in Art. "I got accepted into the BFA program my second year there after submitting my artwork 3 times!"

She continued her education and spent one more year focusing on abstraction and figurative art. In 1998 Michelle's father passed away and consequently her artwork went through a major change. "It was a cathartic healing process for me and my art work for the year of '99 just kept getting more interesting than before. It was the hardest time in my life for me and one of the best ever too."

That same year, Michelle also met her fiancé, Austin Barisoff. They reside together today with his 5 year old daughter, Taylor.

After she completed her BFA, she decided to continue on for her teaching credentials. She is currently teaching Middle School Art and has been for the last two years. Michelle also works at the Gallery 117 in the Long Beach East Art District in California where she exhibits her art as well. Michelle is extremely proud of her involvement with the gallery, as it is a co-op gallery that is trying to get art out into the world. The gallery sponsors Saturday Art Walks once a month.

To Learn more about Michelle or to view more of her artwork, click here.

For more "Featured Artist" click here to view back issues.

© Melt Magazine 2002