Michele Chapin has been a prolific California sculptor for the past 45 years, exhibiting and receiving countless awards for her artwork. In 1987, Michele began teaching herself to carve after moving to Ventura County, starting with a small set of carving tools and newfound obsession for the medium of stone. She creates her sculptures from stone sourced from all around the world, including stone she has personally quarried from local deserts in Southern California. Early in her career, she was the first sculptor in the United States to create ‘sphere fountains,’ marble sculptures that feature a hydroplaning rotating sphere.
She selects and free-carves stones that have exotic colors, patterns, and natural textures. She intuitively transforms these rocks into sensual forms that stimulate the viewers imagined sense of touch. She photographs, collects, and studies organic shapes found in nature, including flowers from her garden and objects found on the beach.
Michele works tirelessly as a community arts activist, teacher, and stone sculptor. She creates sculptures for public and private commissions, museums, and has pieces in private collections throughout the United States and Europe.
(805) 218-9234
Recent Awards and Exhibitions
2022
14th Annual Art About Agriculture Exhibition, Santa Paula Art Museum
2021
13th Annual Art About Agriculture Exhibition, Santa Paula Art Museum
Work from Home Juried Exhibition, Santa Paula Art Museum
2019 - 2022
Solo Sculpture Exhibition, Post Ranch Inn
2019
Featured Cover Artist - Ventana Magazine
2015
Artist of Distinction Award - Artwalk Ventura
2014
Chasing Beauty, Minan Gallery, Los Angeles
2013
Old Hands New Works, Santa Paula Art Museum
2011
Divine Balance - purchased for permanent collection at the Museum of Ventura County
2010
Salvador Bravo Art Star Award - Ventura County Arts Council
Solo Exhibition, Museum of Ventura County
2009
Mayor’s Arts Award for Artist in The Community - Ventura CA