I am Michelle Reese, a visual artist, muralist, and art educator whose work explores identity, culture, and community through contemporary portraiture and public art. Rooted in storytelling, my practice celebrates Black beauty while honoring strength, vulnerability, and lived experience.
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My work bridges fine art painting and urban visual language, combining bold color, expressive line, and layered composition to create pieces that feel both intimate and powerful. Through abstraction and figurative form, I aim to challenge perception, invite reflection, and create moments of recognition for viewers.
At the core of my practice is a commitment to representation. I intentionally center Black figures—particularly Black women—depicting them with dignity, depth, and presence. Color functions not only as an aesthetic choice but as an emotional and cultural language, shaping how each piece communicates energy, mood, and narrative.
Beyond studio work, I engage in large-scale mural projects, commissions, and collaborative installations that activate public spaces. These projects are designed to be accessible and community-focused, transforming everyday environments into sites of dialogue, pride, and connection. I have collaborated with organizations, brands, and creative teams to produce murals that reflect both place and people. As an art educator, I am passionate about mentorship, creative empowerment, and arts accessibility. I work with youth and community groups to encourage creative confidence and self-expression, using art as a tool for learning, healing, and connection. Education and community engagement are not separate from my art practice—they are extensions of it.
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Through my brand CocoXArtzs, I share original works, prints, wearable art, and custom commissions that allow my art to live beyond the canvas. Each piece is created with intention, care, and respect for the stories it represents.
My work exists at the intersection of art, culture, and community, with the goal of creating meaningful visual experiences that resonate both personally and collectively.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
“Every figure holds a story worth honoring.”
Discover More
Explore my portfolio to view studio paintings, murals, and collaborative projects, or visit the art shop to support and collect original works, prints, and custom pieces. Each project reflects a dedication to storytelling, craftsmanship, and creative integrity.
My creative process is guided by intuition, emotion, and intentional mark-making. I begin each piece with a focus on color relationships and form, allowing layers to build naturally through movement, texture, and abstraction. This approach creates space for expression while maintaining a strong visual structure.
Whether working on canvas or large-scale murals, I adapt my process to the environment, considering scale, audience, and context. Each project is developed with care and responsiveness, balancing artistic vision with collaboration and community connection.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Artistic Approach
Community is central to my creative process. Through public murals, workshops, youth programs, and partnerships, I strive to create inclusive spaces where art fosters connection and empowerment. My community-based work emphasizes collaboration, representation, and creative opportunity—especially for emerging and underrepresented artists.