Michelle Allee is a primarily self-taught Gulf Coast artist who began her career as a faux finish and decorative painter in the early 1990s. After a time, she began to work with canvas, applying her expertise with compounds and glazes to create texture with putty and sandpaper before painting her images with acrylics. The Grand Hand became aware of Michelle’s work in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, which hit the artist’s Pass Christian, MS studio with a vengeance. Since that time, her work has become more peaceful – and playful.

In 2006, Michelle was featured in Art of the Storm, a documentary film that follows the journey of several Gulf Coast artists in their efforts to recover after Katrina. She was honored with an invitation from the State of Mississippi to exhibit at the Southern Governors Convention in 2007. Michelle has been the recipient of grants from the Mississippi Arts Commission and has appeared several times as a featured artist during the time-honored Second Saturday Artwalk in Old Town Bay St. Louis, MS.

Michelle states: “The human form, queens, hearts, trees and houses are recurring focal points in my work. My paintings are inspired by my life: the joys, difficulties, challenges, successes, and landscapes of my memories. Painting soothes my spirit and creates a balance in my life. Some of my work is imbued with a sense of whimsy, allowing the viewer to step out of the daily-ness of life into the delight of imagination. I strive to pass the joy I receive in creating on to those who view my work and take it into their homes and hearts.”