Sharon O'Kane Schmeltzer
Painter
Art has always been an important means for Sharon to express herself. In some ways, she has been involved in art her entire life. Art education was her career choice, fulfilling a desire to share her love of art with others. As a teacher, she encouraged students of all ages, ranging from youth to senior citizens. As she taught them to express and develop their own talents in the visual arts, she was also learning from them and further developing herself as an artist.
Following graduation from Northern Michigan University, she took a teaching position in Wisconsin. This is where she began entering her work into juried exhibits and competitions. She won numerous awards at competitions throughout Michigan and Wisconsin. Through the years, Sharon attended workshops and studied under a variety of artists and instructors as she developed her skills. Her work evolved from a non-objective, abstract focus to what she now refers to as "metaphoric." Her imagery develops intuitively, becoming symbolic of feelings, either personal or those she has observed in others.
