Baker Artist Portfolios

Michelle Chen is a Taiwanese-American calligrapher, painter, and muralist. In her work, she investigates stories, new and inherited, that we weave to build realities of self, community, and culture—often highlighting women whose voices and visions for society are underrepresented. Michelle began studying traditional Chinese calligraphy at a young age, and the symbolism, movement, and harmony of this art form are foundational to her practice, informing her handling of the brush and spray can.

Starting in 2013, Michelle studied graffiti and mural art as an apprentice with MuralsDC—through this program and later independent contracts, she has trained with and assisted local and international artists on over 30 works of public art. Independently, and as a member of different collectives and community organizations, Michelle has created socially-engaged art in the DC metropolitan region and internationally.

Michelle received a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service, focused on arts, literature, and social change, from Georgetown University in 2016. She is currently based in Baltimore, MD.