Michelle Zhang (b.2002)
Painting in the Garden, 2020
Materials: Oil and acrylic on canvas, 36” x 44”
Location at Summa Health: Dr. Gary B. and Pamela S. Williams Tower, Akron Campus, Fourth Floor Hallway, Outside Patient Rooms H4-105 and H4-106
About the Art
Painting in the Garden is a deeply personal family portrait, inspired by a small black-and-white photograph that artist Michelle Zhang discovered during an exploration of her family’s history. Through this process, she sought to understand her heritage and identity as a first-generation American, an inquiry sparked by her reading of Toni Morrison’s Song of Solomon. The artist’s reflection on her roots led to a series of paintings, and Painting in the Garden emerged as a key piece, ultimately being added to the Summa Health Collection.
In this piece, Zhang portrays her great-grandfather with three of his granddaughters, including the artist’s mother, who is shown as a laughing toddler on the left. The bright pinks and roses of the young children’s clothing contrast with the darker, grounding hues of her great-grandfather’s jacket and cap, creating a balance between light and depth in the composition. This family scene is framed by the garden setting, where shadows and vibrant brushstrokes imbue the image with a timeless quality. The sunny, joyful nature of the day, captured in this familial moment, reflects both the artist’s connection to her cultural heritage and the warmth of shared family memories.
Zhang’s painting goes beyond a simple portrait; it encapsulates values such as respect for elders and filial duty, core principles she learned from her immigrant parents. Through this intimate portrayal, Zhang honors both her family’s history and the experiences that shaped her own identity.
About the Artist
Born in New York City to immigrant parents who came to the U.S. for their college studies, Michelle Zhang moved to Cleveland at the age of five. From an early age, she was encouraged by her parents to pursue academic excellence and a diligent work ethic. This ethos, combined with a deep respect for her cultural heritage, informed Zhang’s artistic journey.
In high school, she received national recognition for her work, winning a gold medal and the prestigious American Vision award in the 2020 Scholastic Art and Writing competition. After graduating from Lake Ridge Academy’s School of Fine Arts, Zhang enrolled at Tufts University to continue her education and artistic practice. Her work can be found on Instagram under the handle @mimistara, where she regularly shares her evolving body of work.
Where You Can See More of Michelle Zhang’s Work
Though still early in her career, Michelle Zhang has already garnered significant recognition. Her gold medal-winning works can be seen in the Scholastic Art and Writing competition archives, and she continues to develop her artistic vision through both academic studies and personal exploration.