2024 ART IN THE PARK ARTIST PROFILE
Michaela (Mikey) Cross
"Windows to the Past" Artwork
I wanted to create a piece encompassing the Native American History around Grand County, so my inspiration was pulled from a mix of the Legend of the Buffalo and what a white buffalo means to Native American tribes. It is said that when Grand Lake used to freeze, it was thick enough to hold a herd of bison, except for in the middle of the lake where it was completely thawed out. You could see all the bison tracks throughout the snow on top of the lake going all over the place. But there was one set much larger than the others traveling only to and from the hole in the middle of the ice, it was said that that was from a spirit buffalo. A white buffalo is very sacred to the Native Americans, but it is said that they bring a sense of hope and that something good is about to happen. I think we could all use a little bit of hope and good things! I set the scene in winter to tell the story, but wherever the buffalo steps, wildflowers bloom and spring is left in his wake. :)
Artist Statement
Michaela Cross, Mikey, is a Colorado based artist who grew up in the small town of Hot Sulphur Springs. She attended Colorado Mesa University and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art with an emphasis in acrylic painting. She now works from her home art studio in Granby, producing anything her mind can think of! Her love for animals and bright colors spark creativity allowing her to achieve her overall goal of spreading joy and laughter onto others. One of her biggest commission requests are dog portraits, and she absolutely loves creating them. She works primarily in watercolor, pen, and marker because they have a sense of freedom for getting in furry and fun details. Mikey also enjoys stamp carving and wood burning recycled found items as other ways to express herself. It was through her love for making people smile and pursuing her dreams that led her to where she is as an artist today!
When Mikey isn’t working on her art, she enjoys spending her time outdoors or reading in her free time. She loves spending time with her family, friends, fiancé, and her two pups, Llewelyn and Frank! You may recognize Frank in some of her work, that little pug is quite the muse. She is currently in the works of writing and illustrating her own children's book, which will hopefully be available this fall/winter!
Her work is available at The Bowerbirds Den in Granby and custom work through her website!
Learn More
Instagram- @mikeymakes_art
Website- Mikey Makes...