Allure of Abstract, Passion to Create

Parenteau rekindles her childhood love to paint

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Michelle Parenteau grew up drawing and sketching, but when she had her children and started her own business, her art was pushed to the side. That is, until now.

Parenteau, owner and lead designer for Michelle Lee Designs, is hosting an art show, with 14 of her abstract pieces on Saturday, June 18.

Parenteau received her degree in fashion merchandising from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale then began working in department stores, developing their displays. After she and her husband, Steve Parenteau, had twin boys, Tristan and Jacob, Parenteau decided to start her own business.

Tristan and Jacob are now almost 14 and have a younger brother, Noah, 11.

Michelle Lee Designs, which will celebrate its 12th year next month, does interior design for commercial and residential clients from across the country and is based out of Johnston. Parenteau, a Cranston resident, also recently won the “Best White Room Transformation” at the Rhode Island Home Show several months ago.

Ever since she was young, Parenteau remembers being good at putting together colors and different fabrics; at the age of 7 she even designed her own bedroom. As an only child growing up she could often be found sketching and drawing.

Until late last year, she had put her artwork to the side until she signed her son, Jacob, also “an artist,” up for art classes at Blue Door Art Studio. Parenteau began toying with taking classes herself and did, her first piece being a replica of Salvador Dali’s “The Persistence of Memory,” famously known for its melting clocks.

“I have always enjoyed art and I was surprised with how well by first piece came out. I just continued and it really spiraled from there,” she said.

In preparing for the Home Show, instead of having art pieces donated, she decided to create her own abstract pieces. Then one of her interior design clients, Diversi Pizzeria, was interested in some of her art for display. With other organizations looking for pieces, such as the Boy Scouts and the Dyslexia Foundation, Parenteau’s art was getting a lot of attention.

“This is something I have always wanted to do and now it’s become a bit of a second career,” Parenteau said. “It’s really started mixing with my interior design business.”

Just about a year ago, Parenteau had been to The Hive RI for her friends art show, and reached out a few months ago to see if she could display her own. The Hive, a co-working facility based in North Kingstown, often features the work of local artists in their offices. They were happy to display Parenteau’s work.

Parenteau hung her pieces in early June and they will be up for the next two months.

All of Parenteau’s work is abstract in nature, using mixed media, sometimes being three-dimensional. Her pieces can take anywhere from a couple of hours to more than 6 hours to complete.

She said, “Growing up I never really fit the mold. I always thought outside the box that’s why I am attracted to abstract art. I’m not a structured person and neither is my art. I’m abstract to begin.”

With her art Parenteau is able to “be herself” working with life experiences and her thoughts in the moment. She works with a lot of blues and oranges as well as mermaids and fairies.

Parenteau often encourages friends and family to pursue their dreams and she’s excited to be taking her own advice now. Many people admiring her work assume she has been creating abstract pieces all her life, but in truth, she has only been taking on her own artwork like this for several months.

Parenteau is excited to share her art at the show, and is looking forward to hearing what people have to say.

Parenteau’s art show will be on Saturday, June 18 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at The Hive RI on 650 Ten Rod Road, North Kingstown.

All of her pieces will be for sale and refreshments will be available.

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