Michelle Gutierrez

My Grandmother’s immigration to the United States from Colombia 40 years ago is the biggest inspiration in my artwork. Mercedes Cortes’s humble hard work to give her family a better life and the opportunity to make our dreams real – motivates me above everything. I want to take advantage of this opportunity she has given me and reflect the possibility back to others, that dreams can come true. What concerns me, are those who are not able to create what they want-dreams or even basic needs. With my artwork I hope to celebrate those making a difference for themselves and in the lives of others. 

Born in San Francisco, Michelle Gutierrez dedicates her energy to Latino education at the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, El Tecolote Community Newspaper, La Casa Cultural Colombiana, Global Exchange, The Red Poppy Art House, UW’a Defense Organization, The Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts, Fellowship Of Reconcilliation Colombia (FOR ), and the Salgado Instituto Terra.