This April, the Gallery is showcasing the paintings of D.J. Michael.

As I am procrastinating about writing this artist’s statement, I realize that I feel very presumptuous calling myself an artist. I am a work in progress. Every day I discover new things and learn more about myself and my art. Evolving, and sometimes devolving, but ever on an artistic journey. That journey is not linear, but more like a weaving of many threads that begin to come together to become the fabric of my life.

What else is there to say? Do you want to know that I never could draw inside the lines in a coloring book? That Santa always filled my stocking with new crayons, colored pencils, scotch tape, Elmer’s glue, and masking tape? That in high school I continually skipped study hall, but they always found me in the art room? That I got a BFA and a BA from Syracuse in art and art education? That I was lucky enough to have a job where I could draw and paint every day while inspiring young artists to express their own creativity?

That in retirement I relish every hour I spend painting? Or that when I’m frustrated with a painting, I drop my brush and go dig in the garden, or paddle my kayak, or ride my bike, or play with my poodles? And that I have a husband who appreciates and encourages me and my art?

All I know is that I truly must be one of the lucky ones!