Michelle René, Artist-in-Residence, Borgo Santo Pietro, Tuscany, Italy
CAREER SUMMARY
Early Beginnings
Michelle René Cobb is an internationally known American artist and educator. Her journey in the art world commenced with her role as a designer for Time-Life Books. She made history as the first Black Art Director at Sports Illustrated magazine, where she left an indelible mark. During her tenure, she crafted compelling advertising and promotional campaigns for iconic sporting events and organizations, including the Olympics, NBA, NFL, US Open, Kentucky Derby, World Series, NCAA, Indy 500, and the Super Bowl.
Founding of a Design Firm
Following her tenure at Sports Illustrated, Michelle co-founded the New York City-based design firm, Spellman, Bostic & Williams. This firm catered to an array of distinguished clients, from CBS and Bell Atlantic to Citibank, Time-Warner, Wynton Marsalis, and the United Negro College Fund, to name a few. Her expertise in design and creativity contributed significantly to her firm’s success.
A Dedicated Educator
Michelle René Cobb’s passion for education led to an award-winning career in education for over 25 years. She played a pivotal role in launching the first computer graphics program at the University of Maryland. Her commitment to teaching art and design include the University of Delaware, Montgomery College of Visual Art and Design, Delaware College of Art & Design, Lincoln University, the Studio Museum in Harlem, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Smithsonian Associates. Presently, she holds the esteemed position of Chair of the Studio Art Department at Georgetown Day School.
Artistic Inspiration
Michelle’s love for painting blossomed during her 15-year apprenticeship with the late master painter, Edward Loper, Sr. This mentorship, nurtured her ability to uniquely capture the interplay of color and light in her artwork, reflecting the influence of the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist movement. Her art tells the story of her life experiences and travels.
Global Art Residencies and Awards
Throughout her career, Michelle René participated in prestigious art residencies around the world, encompassing locations in France, Spain, Canada, Italy, Ghana, Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Washington DC, New York, and Martha’s Vineyard. She recently concluded an Artist In Residence Program with the Leo Marchutz School of Painting and Drawing in Aix-en-Provence, France – continuing to explore the influence of the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist periods on her work. Her artwork has been exhibited and acquired by collectors in the United States and Europe.
Educational Background
Michelle René Cobb holds a Master of Fine Art from George Washington University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Art Education from Skidmore College. Her thirst for knowledge led her to pursue additional studies at institutions such as Pratt Institute, Rhode Island School of Design, Corcoran College of Art and Design, the Smithsonian Associates, and United Digital Artists in New York.
Recent Highlights
- This Spring 2024, The US Supreme Court became home to Michelle’s photo silkscreen print, “Harlem Kids.
- Stanford University recognized the significance of Michelle’s graphic design contributions, and her files were acquired by the Black Graphic Design Artists Initiative at Stanford Libraries, Special Collections. This collection serves as an invaluable resource for students, faculty, and researchers.
- The Duke Ellington School of the Arts elected Michelle to their Board of Directors, The Duke Ellington Fund.
Michelle René Cobb remains dedicated to her artistic journey. Her life is a testament to her exceptional contributions to the art world, her tireless dedication to education, and her pioneering achievements in the realm of art & design.
EXHIBITIONS & COLLECTIONS
2023 • The US Supreme Court • “Harlem Kids” photsilksreen
2022 • IMAGINE: Celebrating Black Female Creativity: Featherstone Gallery, Martha’s Vineyard
2021 • Harlem Fine Arts Show • Virtual/International
2019 • Harlem Fine Arts Show • Howard University • Washington, DC
2017 • Solo Show – Woman’s National Democratic Club • Washington, DC
2016 • Group Show, Can Serrat, Spain
2015 • Solo Show – Woman’s National Democratic Club • Washington, DC
2015 • Chevy Chase Women’s Club • Chevy Chase, MD
2014 • Georgetown Day School Faculty Show • Washington, DC
2013 • Harlem Fine Arts Show • Martha’s Vineyard, MA
2013 • Chevy Chase Women’s Club • Chevy Chase, MD
2012 • University of Utah AP Readers Studio Art Show • Salt Lake City, Utah
2011 • Montgomery College of Visual Art and Design Faculty Show • Takoma Park, MD
2011 • Women’s National Democratic Club • Washington, DC
2011 • All Island Art Show • Martha’s Vineyard, MA
2010 • All Island Art Show • Martha’s Vineyard, MA
2009 • All Island Art Show • Martha’s Vineyard, MA
2008 • All Island Art Show • Martha’s Vineyard, MA
2007 • All Island Art Show • Martha’s Vineyard, MA
2008 • Venezuelan Embassy • Washington, DC
2008 • Art for Obama • Washington, DC
2007 • All Island Art Show • Martha’s Vineyard, MA
2006 • All Island Art Show • Martha’s Vineyard, MA
2005 • National Black Fine Arts Show • New York, NY
2005 • Edward Loper and His Students •
Orange Street Gallery • Wilmington, DE
2004 • Edward Loper and His Students •
Orange Street Gallery • Wilmington, DE
2004 • White Linen Nights •
Thelma Harris Gallery • Oakland, CA
2001 • Edward Loper and His Students •
River Front Museum • Wilmington, DE
ARTIST RESIDENCIES
Aix-en-Provence, France
West Africa: Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nigeria
Quebec City, Canada
Les Tapies, France
Umbria, Italy
El Bruc, Spain
Tuscany, Italy
Martha’s Vineyard, MA
