Instructor Profile

Born and raised in Southern California, Michelle was introduced to warm glass art in 2018 after receiving a jewelry kiln for her silver clay jewelry. Her husband took her to visit the shop where he bought the kiln to see examples of the beautiful glass artwork and Michelle quickly fell in love with fused glass art.  Taking classes under renowned glass artists Patty Gray and Susan Hirsch, Michelle immersed herself into this artform.  But it was also healing for her as she found glass art to be like stages of grief; glass undergoes fire and transitions into inconceivable beauty in the end.  Michelle finds inspiration in nature, colors and light but also in emotions and music. 

Michelle’s glass art has been displayed at Redlands Art Gallery where she sold pieces with a Patron Award in 2021.  Her art was accepted into the Fallbrook Art Center’s 2021 “Galaxy of Glass” show and her latest works were shown at the Art Glass Association of Southern California’s Gallery 21 where she placed 2nd and 3rd in separate categories.  Michelle placed first in the “Emerging Artist” category at Oceanside Glass.

Website:  www.joyfulartbymichiko.com