About

Statement

Initially, like many student artists, I began working realistically in painting and drawing. I
love it but felt there wasn’t enough of a theme or story in my images. I needed to find direction
and my creative voice.

It's funny to think one assignment could change how I would approach my future artistic
endeavors. During my junior year, in a painting class, my professor assigned a Surrealism
collage to the painting project. The assignment asked us to find and manipulate images from
magazines and create a narrative. The use of symbolism came easily with the cutout images. I
could focus on present-day social norms or historical events. The final paper collages were
enlarged and re-created on to a canvas. As I began painting, I found I could offer more by
expression by manipulating my acrylic paint on canvas. In the end, the finished had more clarity
and purpose.

I continue to use collage as my favorite media, but my choices of media have matured
and I have become more resourceful. I continue to primarily magazine images. Unfortunately,
with the increased internet presence, there are fewer magazines published. Therefore, I’m
propelled toward Google image searches and frequent visits to my local thrift store or
second-hand booksellers. I am also adding more three-dimensional pieces like game pieces,
jewelry, keys, etc..

I reflect on that light-bulb moment and how it unlatched the door to my imagination. It
forced me to push myself and become a voice. Even after thirty years, I continue to re-educate
myself and renew my interpretation of the artistic process. Realizing that it doesn’t have to be
just one thing, it can be infinite and I just need to determine the direction.

Biography

I have over 25 years of experience in middle school arts, as a visual art teacher, art department chair, and student advisor. I received my BS from Frostburg State University in Art Education and Graphic Design many moons ago. I went into Art Education because I wanted to be a teacher. As a result, quickly out of college I began teaching in Baltimore City at Highlandtown Middle School and for over 18 years at Sandy Spring Friends School.

As a new teacher, I struggled to find ways to reach my students. In most instances, the
arts are lucky because students that struggle in academics usually thrive in the arts. With
guidance from many smart and experienced mentors, I found ways to connect with my students.
Ceramics, drawing, painting, printmaking, woodworking, sculpture and sewing are just a few
media I have experimented with. Being open to different art forms has broadened my
perspective and secured student interest.

I graduated from Boston University’s Master in Arts Education program, I have
found my teaching skills are not as archaic as I thought. The newly acquired knowledge has
allowed me to challenge my students and re-evaluate how art should be taught. I realized my
creatively energetic classroom management style actually had a name, TAB/Choice-Based Art
Education.

Working as an independent artist, my portfolio has evolved as my career advanced. I have
chosen to work with a more non-traditional multi-media collage medium. My two-dimensional work
consists of a fusion of found images, text and objects set to a specific theme or viewpoint. My
three-dimensional portfolio contains silly and ridiculous muppet like hand puppets. Both artforms
channel varying quadrants of my imagination and allow me to express myself broadly.

Resume / CV

Michelle Puhl-Price
(b. 1968, USA)
12291 Coppermine Road
Union Bridge, Maryland  21791
mppouttaourminds@gmail.com
240-498-1391
 
Education:
1991, Frostburg University, Bachelor of Science in Art Education and Graphic Design
2017, Boston University, Masters of Fine Arts, Art Education Advocacy
 
Exhibitions/Craft Shows:
2019    Zoolights, National Zoo, BROS, Rock Opera, Baltimore, MD
2018    Maker Mart, Queens, New York, Merry Mart, Creative Alliance, Baltimore, MD
2017    Arts on the Avenue, Alexandria, VA
            Festival of Lights, Greenbelt Arts Festival, Greenbelt, MD
            Sykesville Marketplace, Sykesville, MD
2015    Festival on the Hill, Bolton Hill, Baltimore, MD
            Merry Mart, Creative Alliance, Baltimore, MD
            All Crafts Considered, NPR, Washington, DC
            Festival of Lights, Greenbelt Arts Festival, Greenbelt, MD
2014    Festival on the Hill, Bolton Hill, Baltimore, MD
            Hyattsville Arts Festival, Hyattsville, MD
            All Crafts Considered, NPR, Washington, DC
            Festival of Lights, Greenbelt Arts Festival, Greenbelt, MD
2013    Festival on the Hill, Bolton Hill, Baltimore, MD
            Hyattsville Arts Festival, Hyattsville, MD
            Festival of Lights, Greenbelt Arts Festival, Greenbelt, MD
2012    Started Outta Our Minds, Puppet Design, and Creation
1994    Artscape, Baltimore, MD
1991    Senior Art Show, Frostburg University
 
Commissions:
2013    Custom Puppet, Moonbaby
            Custom Puppet, Golden Goose, Folk Tales Play, Sandy Spring Friends School
2015    Custom Puppet, Chef Funky
            Custom Mascot Head, Wildebeest, Sandy Spring Friends School
Grants:
1994-99 Ceramic Supplies & Exhibition, National Ceramic Arts Association, Baltimore, MD
 
Teaching:
1992-2000 Middle School Visual Art Teacher, Baltimore City Public Schools
2000-Present Middle School Visual Art Teacher, Sandy Spring Friends School