This fall, the walls of the Oakland Arts & Entertainment District will welcome new artwork with a burst of color in Banker’s Alley. The Garrett County Arts Council is proud to feature the work of Vivian Michael, a local self-taught artist whose passion for creativity and love of autumn shine through in their art.
Vivian’s journey as an artist began at an early age, with sketchbooks and drawings filling her childhood. Over the years, art remained a quiet but steady thread in her life, until about five years ago, when she made the decision to take her art from a form of self-expression to a potential source of income. “I’ve put a lot of work into my skills over the years to improve and better understand what I’m lacking,” Vivian says. “I’ve come a long way, but I’m very happy with how far I’ve progressed.”
Color is at the heart of Vivian’s work. She describes herself as someone who loves exploring the moods and atmospheres that color can create. Her current pieces are inspired by the natural world, especially the season of fall, which she counts as her favorite. “I wanted to invoke many of the feelings and enjoyment you can find in fall,” Vivian explains. “From the stars falling across the sky, to mushrooms and acorns being found on the ground, I wanted there to be a feeling everyone can relate to with the season.”
One of Vivian’s more recent artistic explorations has been the use of borders to frame and echo the themes within her pieces. These borders don’t just contain the work, but they also invite curiosity, sparking the imagination of each viewer. Every acorn, mushroom, or falling star becomes a doorway to a little story of its own. The elements around the edges whisper hints about the world within the picture, leaving space for the viewer to fill in the rest with their own feelings and associations with autumn. In this way, Vivian’s work becomes a collaboration between artist and audience. Each person brings their own memories of crisp leaves, cozy evenings, or the quiet magic of a forest walk, and the art gently reflects those back.
While Vivian still enjoys traditional drawing and painting, much of her current practice has shifted to digital art, created with a tablet and the program Clip Studio Paint. She is quick to point out that this medium has opened new doors for her. “I love drawing digitally,” she shares. “It allows me many freedoms that I cannot achieve in traditional work.” Digital art is not a replacement but an expansion of her creative toolbox, giving her the flexibility to experiment with color, detail, and composition in ways that feel limitless.
The upcoming installation of Vivian’s work in Banker’s Alley is part of GCAC’s ongoing effort to bring public art to downtown Oakland. These projects not only brighten shared spaces but also highlight the talent and vision of local emerging artists like Vivian. Community members and visitors alike will have the chance to encounter her work in an everyday setting as an opportunity to pause, reflect, and be reminded of the beauty and wonder of the seasons.
For Vivian, the hope is that people find a personal connection in the art. Whether through the warmth of fall colors, the nostalgia of acorns underfoot, or the shared awe of a starry night sky, she wants her work to feel welcoming and relatable.
Keep an eye out this fall for Vivian Michael’s colorful contribution to Banker’s Alley. And if you’d like to connect with the artist, she welcomes community conversations and collaborations. You can reach her at vmichael.art@gmail.com.
Written by Rachel Precht