Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Briggs.
Hi Michelle , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
As a kid, I have always wanted to find a way to escape into a world different than the one I was living in. Art, or the creative arts, was an open ended way of expressing & finding myself without judgement. My medium of choice is acrylic paining. the subject (theme) of my pieces center around healing and vulnerability. Majority of my paintings are self portraits so that I can use my personal testimony as a believer in Jesus to welcome in others who have also struggled with mental health to move towards a place of healing.
From Middle school through high school, it sufficed. Once I entered college in 2014, I dual majored in Art & Psychology with intentions of becoming an art therapist for children. But of course, the outcome ended up being something totally different. During my time at K-State, there were several social injustice incidents that caused heavy division on campus as well as police brutality on the rise with Trevon Martin, Tamir Rice and so many others. These incidents sparked a desire to promote unity and understanding, regardless of where you stood politically or socially. My first impactful piece, “Please Don’t Shoot, I’m Only 12”, in honor of Tamir Rice, was created out of an emotional drive since it hit close to home with my own 12 year-old brother at the time constantly being mistaken older than he was. Sharing that piece and the related story gave way to hosting my first artist talk in Manhattan, KS. The audience was diverse in thinking and in life experience and given the space to use my artwork as a form of middle ground conversation with persons that they otherwise wouldn’t talk to or be associated with. The audience was made of Christians, non-christians, black, white, conservative, liberal etc., and was filled with rich conversations of understanding opposing sides. From there, I knew that my purpose in the creative world was to bring unity and meaningful purpose to others.
In 2018 after graduating from Kansas State University, I then began working at the Boys & Girls Club of Manhattan, KS as a Program Leader, managing grades Kinder & 1st, before being promoted about a year and a half to full time staff as a Unit Director, managing my own elementary site. During that time, I completed my first 2 mural pieces. The first were permanent window panel installations for the main Boys & Girls club site in 2020, illustrating the 3 pillars of Academic Success, Healthy Habits and Good Character & Citizenship. And my second piece in 2021 for the Elementary school site I worked at, demonstrating the schools celebration of diversity and equity with its student demographics. Both experiences were beautiful in the sense that I could provide a safe environment outside of my job, through my ability to create art.
In 2023 I then decided to move back to my home town of Kansas City to take on a different position in youth development. Upon my arrival back, I took me a few years to get plugged into the create arts scene, which meant that my first intentional efforts of finding creative community started in late 2024 with Heartland Arts KC. This was a group of local creatives that were striving to find their voices in the creative arts world, while also trying to navigate all nuances that came with it. From there, then came an amazing opportunity to become a 2025 Fellow for Heartland Arts KC, focusing on the impact of infrastructure within Kansas City and how we can bring awareness to create sustainable solutions.
I would say, once the few opportunities kicked off, my life immediately started to follow that path. It seemed like multiple opportunities came about after getting plugged into different spaces and events. I was able to participate on a committee that aided in the 7th and Minnesota Mural installation by JT Daniels, which then led to my own mural opportunity for a local neighborhood. I then moved to being a featured artist for the Kansas City Art Coalition for the month of August, and then to other local vender events within the city,
My two passions of faith and youth development have driven me to a place were I want to serve my community via the arts, love and support all my students as my faith has shown me, and to help create a better future for our youth by empowering them now in their younger years. Currently, I am in the works of developing my non for profit called Young Creatives. This program is geared towards school aged students who have a hunger and passion for the creative arts; using their gifts to better the community that they reside in. There are still many elements to be developed, but the process is definitely challenging me to preserve to see the end results. So for now, I am focusing on developing this program along with a new body of work to continue showcasing around the city.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has been a mixture of both, majority struggles. My struggles lied in developing my confidence as an artist. I would often doubt myself by comparing my abilities with other artist that led to dealing with imposter syndrome. If you as an artist are not confident in yourself but others around you are, it can be very difficult to stand firm in your craft because you will ultimately be doing it for the sake of others and not yourself. Thankfully that season only lasted the first year of my creative journey after returning to Kansas City in 2023.
I would say other challenges and or obstacles that I have face primarily dealt with seeking and landing certain opportunities that can give you exposure for the next level advancement for my career. Kansas City is very competitive within the creative arts and opportunities are limited. So in a way, the challenge is good because it will push me to produce my best work, and to seek opportunities that can be stepping stones.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My medium of choice is acrylic paint on canvas. As an artist I focus on the body posture or facial expression versus the eyes of the subject. I have very few pieces that have the eyes fully painted. They are always referenced by its placement, but never really painted full out. Or I will use flowers to cover the face where the eyes should go so that I can get the viewer to focus on the overall painting. Using flowers across the face or in the background is what I am becoming known for; my signature. From that, it’s probably one of the many things that I am proud of when it comes to my journey as an artist. When people look at my work over time from vender shows, exhibitions or just in passing on social media, they know what my work looks like. I feel that it’s hard to find your personal touch as an artist without mimicking or blending in with everyone else. So for the fact that viewers know what my work looks like gives me a sense of pride. The body of work that I produce is to induce relatability through my vulnerability with my life story.
In line with that, what sets me apart is my intentions of sharing my testimony as a believer in Jesus Christ through my work. I believe that there is a higher power that give us purpose and freedom to walk this life. That freedom comes from the sacrifice of Jesus, the perfect being, so that we are free from anything that would keep us separated from God and eternal rest after this life. In this journey, I have experienced a freedom from anxiety, depression & trauma that nothing on this earth could bring. Unconditional love from the creator of the universe, who knows me by name and has plans to prosper me and not harm me. I want to share that joy and freedom with others thorough my work. And even if they don’t believe, I want my work to be known for my relationship with the Lord, and to encourage others that there is freedom for them too.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My parents have been my biggest advocate of my work along with my entire family of aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents. I am very fortunate to have such a big support ground. And along the way, the people that I come into contact with through vendor shows, pop ups or commission pieces, have also become advocates for me to receive more opportunities to bloom as an artist.
Pricing:
- Commission work $150- $450 depending on the subject
- Digital work/ graphic designing starting at $50 per hour depending on the subject
- Purchasing original work starting at $150 depending on the piece
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelle_mike_robin/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mixxymike14/
