Contemporary Journaling Process — Artist Statement

As a trauma-informed artist, educator, and cultural collaborator, my journaling practice reflects a living, evolving understanding of my role in community-centered art. I believe artists should serve the communities in which they work. My creative and educational interests have always been rooted in outreach and engagement, though I am only now beginning to fully grasp what that entails.

Education, to me, must be an equitable, reciprocal process—one that values informed collaboration and shared agency. It should be rooted in the stabilization of community, deeply tied to the present moment, place, and identity. The personal is political—this cannot be forgotten.

As a trauma-informed artist, educator, and cultural collaborator, my journaling practice reflects a living, evolving understanding of my role in community-centered art. I believe artists should serve the communities in which they work. My creative and educational interests have always been rooted in outreach and engagement, though I am only now beginning to fully grasp what that entails.

Education, to me, must be an equitable, reciprocal process—one that values informed collaboration and shared agency. It should be rooted in the stabilization of community, deeply tied to the present moment, place, and identity. The personal is political—this cannot be forgotten.

Artist Bio — Michelle Anne Harris

Michelle Anne Harris is a Philadelphia-based artist and Co-Director of Big Ramp, where she leads Special Programs and Community Outreach. Her art and teaching practices are grounded in her experience as a trauma-informed early childhood art educator.

Michelle works across disciplines, including printmaking, photography, painting, book arts, poetry, and sculpture. She holds an MFA in Printmaking from Cranbrook Academy of Art and a BFA in Photography and Art Education from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Her commitment to educational access and community engagement has led her to develop programs for institutions such as the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit, Cranbrook Institute of Science, Art Institute of Chicago, Hyde Park Art Center, and Mural Arts Philadelphia.

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