Resident Artist Spotlight: Michelle Figueroa
At Learning Empowered, our mission is to foster lifelong learning and personal growth, and one person embodying that spirit vividly is our resident artist, Michelle Figueroa. Her vibrant work adorns our educational centers, bringing a touch of wonder and creativity for both children and adults alike.
Drawing inspiration from the Florida wildlife,
her work features local fauna like the gopher tortoise, spoonbill, bobcat and a range of tiny creatures we often overlook. Michelle's passion for nature trickles down into her work, inviting viewers to see the world through her eyes.
Michelle holds a Bachelor Degree in Media Arts from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale and an AS Early Childhood Education from St. Petersburg College. With an interest that spans Digital Illustration, Traditional Pencil, Ink Illustration, Mixed Media, Sculpture, and creating miniatures, her artistic presentations become an enchanting visual treat at our centers.
“We all have the capacity to create and share our gifts with the world! And if my art can give someone a reason to smile, that’s a reward in itself for me!”
As an educator, Michelle uses art as a medium to connect with her students, creating visual aids to assist in learning and understanding concepts. She inspires her wards to explore their creativity without the fear of not being perfect. Echoing our belief, Michelle affirms that the point is to have fun, try, and learn!
In her own words, "We all have the capacity to create and share our gifts with the world! And if my art can give someone a reason to smile, that's a reward in itself for me!" As a resident artist, Michelle hopes to encourage more students and adults to explore their creative expression abilities.
Her murals at Learning Empowered are guided by a simple concept
—creating a welcoming, engaging environment that fosters learning and companionship.
The Friendship Hall mural-
bursting with scenes of camaraderie and adventure, resonates with the core values of Learning Empowered.
The Triangles Hallway-
The use of triangles in a separate hallway installation signifies the unity and support between the community, our families, and the staff of Learning Empowered.
Family Engagement Center
Located on the east side. This is Michelle’s most recent mural.
Michelle's work is a celebration of creativity—it is about creating an enabling environment, about learning, growth, and it speaks to the very heart of who we are at Learning Empowered. We're grateful for the artistry she brings to our community. Through her work, we are reminded that art isn't always just about representation—it's about fostering an environment conducive to growth, creating a sense of togetherness, and inspiring the young minds of tomorrow to step into their power.
