| About The Artist |
| To see a world in a grain of sand, heaven in a wildflower, To hold the universe in the palm of your hand, and eternity in an hour -William Blake |
| Artist Michelle Allgaier aka 'Chell |
| Michelle Allgaier is a Tri-City native, born in Kennewick, Washington. She remembers drawing from nature at the age of four. Her preferred medium is vinyl gouache, but also works in acrylic, graphite and watercolor. She is also a certified yoga instructor. "My art is about seeing, about becoming absorbed into a moment. When you begin to see beyond a banana leaf, where you lose focus of what something is and become absorbed in all that it is. I find inspiration in minute often overlooked details in home and nature. From the small hairs on a moth to the worn edges of a well loved book, observing the details in life are what bring us into the peace of the present. In our fast paced lives we often race by the beauty directly in front of us. By bringing this beauty into our homes we are reminded of the world that awaits us when we take a moment to slow down, take a deep breath, and observe." 'Chell started a practicing and teaching yoga in 2000. She started Yoga Community in 2002, a yoga studio focused on creating balance and harmony in all areas of one's life and committed to practicing safe yoga tailored to the individual. In 2005 she left the studio to pursue her lifelong passion, art. Yoga Community is run by a former student, Heather Anastos, who maintains the integrity of the studio and brings to it a broad variety of wellness practices. 'Chell teaches specialty workshops in stress management, artful living and yoga asana. Her training is in Iyengar yoga, her classes an infusion of Iyengar and many other stress management techniques. "Being a business owner, single parent of three beautiful children, one with developmental delays and autism, I have run the gamut of emotions and challenges. My struggles have been my greatest teachers. Out of necessity I learned what is necessary to be a good parent, maintain my sense of self and keep my sanity. My classes are not an attempt to remove or invalidate a student's stressors. I want to share what I have learned and teach others to value all of their feelings, and learn how to release tension, frustration, anger and grief from their bodies . My classes generally contain physical asana (postures) practice, breathing techniques, mindfulness and affirmation practices to promote wellness and relaxation." Michelle's custom murals, faux finishes and painted furnishings are found in homes, schools and businesses around Southeast Washington. All are custom created for each client based on their inspiration. Murals are often painted directly on walls, floors, or ceilings. For versatility murals can be painted on canvas or masonite and placedagainst walls or in niches. "I enjoy the challenge of creating something completely new and original for each client. Not one mural will ever be repeated. I listen carefully to the client, keep aware of the homes' or businesses' color scheme and blend all the aspects into something amazing. I am usually awestruck when I am finished. I did that?" |
| 'Chell at Work |
| Washington Elementary mural in progress |
| Amicis Restaurant, trompe l'oeil window in progress |
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| artbychell.com (509)554-8894 |