The Artist Michele Wood
“Just Like Me”

Michele Wood, Fall 2001, Michele Wood unveil her new book release titled Christmas Soul, an African American Holiday Collection, by Hyperion a division of Walt Disney. A heartwarming collection of original Christmas stories, celebrities such as international recording star Whitney Houston, comedian Jamie Fox, choreographer Debbie Allen, actor Denzel Washington, Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin and many more African American celebrities share their brightest childhood memories.

The 1999 Coretta Scott Illustrator Award winner for I See the Rhythm children’s book, sees herself not only as an artist, but also as an educator and historian. Through her bold, symbol-laden paintings, Ms. Wood imagines herself back in history, in the time of her ancestors to imagine their struggles and their celebrations. Ultimately, her interest in her own family heritage has led her to a fuller understanding of herself as an artist of the historical past shared by African Americans.

A painter, writer, illustrator, & designer, Ms. Wood’s rare talent spans across social, cultural, and geographical boundaries. Her paintings, couched in the unique visual language of rich African symbols, appeal to art lovers on a universal basis. Her works portray a strong sense of color, balance, detail, and sensitivity. As Ms. Wood states, “ I hunger for new meaning in color, texture, and design. My explorations are emotional and stimulating. They leave me with a fulfilled sense of pleasure and accomplishment and still craving for more.” Her commissions from the Arizona Theater Valley Song Poster by playwright Athol Fugard, the Atlanta Fulton County Arts Council and Toni Morrison Society testify to Ms. Wood’s artistic achievement.

Born in Indianapolis Indiana, Ms. Wood pursued her art studies at he prestigious American Intercontinental University of Atlanta, Georgia and received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1990.By 1994, the Apex Museum awarded her with a grant to embark upon a pilgrimage to Yoruba Land. This experience immersed Ms. Wood in the significance of African Culture and gave her the opportunity to work with internationally acclaimed sculptor Professor Lamidi Olande Fakeye from Nigeria. This encounter has had a profound and lasting impact upon Michele “ Professor Fakeye was true blessing in my journey,” she writes. “He carries all the lessons of life, understanding and wisdom with him. The true measure of his gift is eternal.”

Ms. Wood’s dedication to conveying her knowledge and experiences is reflected in her work with children. Her first children’s book Going Back Home: An Artist Returns to the South was inspired by Ms. Wood’s own personal journey to the American south of her ancestors which began in the early 1900’s. Ms. Wood traveled throughout the South collecting stories and memories of her family and of the greater African American community. The series of paintings in Going Back Home inspires children to use art as a vehicle for self-expression and for capturing family memories. The stimulating oversize book appeals to children and adults alike for their rich, vibrant, visually exciting representations of Ms. Wood’s experiences. In addition to the prestigious American Book Award, Going Back Home has been awarded by the international Reading Association, Cooperative Children’s Book Center, and the Skippy Stone Foundation. Michele Wood also teaches students during her artist residencies in local public schools.

Ms. Wood’s community involvement is not limited to children. However, in 1997, she produced a six-panel mural for the Auburn Avenue Senior Center. Throughout the yearlong process, Ms. Wood worked side-by-side with the African American elders; incorporating their stories into the rich, painted tapestries and helping them create a garden on the premises.

For more information about Ms. Wood’s commissions, honors, and awards, please:

Call: 912-651-9665.
Email: michele.wood@mindspring.com

To schedule workshops, interviews, or appointments, please contact the Michele Wood Art Studio 912-651-9665. For manuscripts please contact agent Marie Brown & Associates at 212-533-5534.