Michelle Yamamoto
In her recent works, Michelle has utilized iconic pop culture figures as gateways to challenge fixed perceptions of individuals. She expresses, “I have been intrigued and delighted with how my paintings of people bring people together.” In addition to offering private lessons at Art Circle, she serves as the head of the Arts department at Hood River New School. As an accomplished muralist, Michelle's large-scale works celebrate Hood River’s rich local culture and heritage, with public murals displayed in Odell, Oregon, at the Hood River Museum of History, Hood River Valley High School, and Henkle Middle School in White Salmon. Through her diverse artistic endeavors, Michelle continues to inspire and connect communities through the power of art.
About
Michelle Yamamoto
She is a Hood River artist, art educator, and muralist whose journey began with training in graphic design before evolving into painting when she moved to Asia in 1988. For 12 transformative years, she lived on the island of Borneo, followed by time in Beijing, China, and Manila, Philippines. These diverse cultures ignited her deep curiosity and social consciousness, profoundly influencing her artistic vision. Now working from her studio and school, Art Circle, Michelle's paintings are celebrated for their imaginative storytelling, reflecting the soulful journey we all share. She skillfully incorporates people and wildlife into her art, creating a unique blend of realism and abstraction.
