Art By Michelle Collins
Welcome To My Imagination- Please Excuse The Mess
Michelle Astuto Collins expresses her diversity through the use of many different mediums including, but not limited to: acrylic, oil, watercolors, digital painting and sculpture. Collins works range in style; from surrealism to whimsy.
Originally from Long Island, New York; she moved to New Port Richey, Florida at the age of fourteen. With no formal training, she credits her artistic diversity to her upbringing. Having a large creative family; with many different styles and interests.
Moving around a lot in her early years, exposed her to constant changes in her surroundings; this has influenced her work. With some works being: simple, colorful and playful.Some others more intricate; seemingly darker and puzzling.
Michelle's works are in private collections throughout: North America, Europe and Australia. Her work has also shown galleries, and shows in: Alaska, Florida, New York, Oregon & Virginia.
Artist Statement
I find my art is an outlet to deal with many of life ups and downs. Some of my more meaningful pieces, I would like for people to connect with them. Some how in the same way as music; to see that they are not the only ones who deal with life's struggles. If they want they can take it not for what it is; but for what they believe it to be. Others: I hope to provoke smiles, in some cases laughter. Or people can enjoy it just simply as decoration; as some of my simpler pieces are. Ultimately, I hope to continue creating whatever inspires me. To keep learning; to live my dream: earn a living doing what I love.
Artist Resume
Solo Exhibitions
City Hall: New Port Richey, Florida; May 2008
Progress Energy Art Gallery: "WELCOME TO MY IMAGINATION - PLEASE EXCUSE THE MESS" New Port Richey, Florida; December 2007
Pasco Fine Arts Center: "Colorful Compilations" Holiday, Florida; February 2006
Alterra Clare Bridge: "Time Pieces," Tampa, Florida; January 2004
Pasco Fine Arts Center: "Eclectic Creations" Holiday, Florida; December 2003
Selected Group Exhibitions
APW Gallery: "Small Works Big Idea" Long Island City, NY; October 2009
Atria Windsor Woods: "An Evening Of The Arts" (3 Person Show with Paula Showen & Susan Holland) Hudson, Florida; November 2008
Strong Tower Vineyard & Winery: "The Art Of Wine" (2 Person Show with Paula Showen) Spring Hill, Florida; October 2008
Aquaterra Salon & Spa: Trinity, Florida; October 2008
Progress Energy Art Gallery: New Port Richey, Florida; 2006, 2007 & 2008
The Beck Gallery: "The Square Foot Art Show A Go-Go" Lutz, Florida; 2006 & 2007
The Gallery at No Naked Walls: Port Richey, Florida; 2007 & 2008
Artist Gallery Royalle: St. Petersburg, Florida; December 2007
Pasco Fine Arts Center: "Art Annual" Holiday, Florida; 2004, 2005 & 2006
Juried Shows
Peace Hall Coffee House Art Scene: New Port Richey, Florida; 2005 & 2006 (Juried by: Lia Gallegos & Paula Showen)
Art In Paradise: Gulf Harbors Yaght Club, New Port Richey, Florida; 2006 (Juried by: Jo Baughman & Annie Harris)
International Art Auction: McMenamins, McMcMinnville, Oregon; 2005 (Juried by Karin Momberg)
Articles and Reviews
The Suncoast News: "Celebrate the Florida lifestyle" August 2009 view
The Suncoast News: "Mix of art comes together" June 2009 View
The Pasco Times: "Member artists open show at Progress Energy Gallery," June 2009 View
The Hernando Times: " A Toast To Vino" October 2008 View
The Pasco Times: October 2008 - Front Page Spring Hill Winery To Raise Glasses To Hernando -Pasco Hospice, Inside: "A Toast To Vino" View
The Suncoast news: "Art Exhibit and Halloween Party Announced" October 2008 View
The Pasco Tribune: "Progress Energy Art Gallery Throws A Fling" February 2008 View
The Suncoast News: "Exposing the cultures and riches of downtown" February 2008 Top Stories: Front Page, Suncoast News, Page 3 & Continued Page 14
The Suncoast New: "Art stroll rolls into downtown" January 2008 View
The Pasco Tribune: "Gallery To Display Artists' 'Imagination' " December 2007 View
The Suncoast News: "Welcome To Her Imagination" December 2007 View
The Trinity Citizen: "First Friday Artist's Reception" December 2007 View
The Pasco Times: " See what comes from young hands minds" September 2007 View
The Suncoast News: " Gallery's first ever children's art exhibit opens Sept. 7" September 2007 View
Pasco Tribune: "Class Will Help Kids Exhibit Artistry" July 2007 View
The Suncoast News: "Art Gallery Offering Children's Summer Art Classes" July 2007 View
Pasco Tribune: "Women' s Work Fills New Gallery Exhibit" January 2007 View
The Suncoast News: "Women's Artwork on Display" January 2007 View
The Suncoast News: "Downtown Oasis" July 2006 View
The Pasco Times: "Eye-catching art" July 2005 View
News-Register: "A World of Art" December 2004 View
The Pasco Times: "Artists' exhibit focus on time-related theme" August 2003 View
The Suncoast News: "Art exhibit features funky sculptures and 'Time Pieces' " August 2003 View
