 Michelle Ortiz was born and raised in South Philadelphia. Her household flourished with her Latin American and Caribbean cultures. Her work focuses on the importance of time and existence. Culture, spirituality, community and the sense of self are also strong elements in her work. She embraces her creative spirit to emerge as a visual artist exploring all genres in the art world. Ortiz has has designed and created over 30 large scale public works nationally and internationally (Ecuador & Costa Rica) displaying her talents as a skilled muralist.
For over seven years she has been an active educator in using the arts as a tool for communication to bridge communities. Ortiz has worked with various nonprofit organizations such as Taller Puertorriqueño, Network Arts, Mural Arts Program, Congreso de Latinos Unidos, Art for Change, The Village of Arts and Humanities, AMLA, The Multicultural Youth Exchange, The Please Touch Museum, and Raices Culturales Latinoamericanas.
Ortiz' studio does not fall behind, she is a recent recipient of the Leeway Foundation Art & Change grant and she has exhibited her paintings and prints in numerous galleries such as: The Painted Bride, Fox Gallery & The Kelly Writer's House (University of Pennsylvania), Stedman Gallery (Rutgers University), Goldey Paley Gallery (Moore College), Lorenzo Homar Gallery (Taller Puertorriqueño), Art Forms Gallery, Community College & City Hall of Philadelphia. Ortiz has various works in permanent and private collections in Philadelphia and abroad. |
