Michele Hundt has received a $10,000 grant from the Palm Beach Cultural Council as the recipient of this year’s Dina Baker Fund for Mature Female Artists.
Her work is highlighted at an exhibition in the Donald M. Ephraim Family Gallery at Lake Worth Beach, the Cultural Council’s headquarters, until July 30. The center is open from noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.
The award is funded by local artist Dina Baker, who has supported the Cultural Council for many years. Recipients can use the grant for professional development, including equipment and supplies, as well as health care or living expenses.
“It was a great surprise and an honor to receive this grant,” Hundt said. “To have Dina Baker recognize my work and my passion of fine art was an unbelievable honor, and it’s validation that I’m going in the right direction. When I got to (Palm Beach County), I decided to pursue my passion — what came from the heart. After doing commercial art for so long, I found myself again.”
Hundt’s talents range from fine art to fashion. After completing her education at the Cooper School of Art in Cleveland, she worked as an artistic director or designer for multiple Midwestern companies. Her paintings have been featured in galleries throughout the country, including at The Paint Store and Stephen Johnson Framing in West Palm Beach.
With bright colors and striking emotion, Hundt’s work covers genres including abstract and figure paintings, as well as equine artwork. She creates artistic expressions of moments in time. Most recently, she has been inspired by nature, exploring the cypress swamp and creating paintings that highlight the extremes in light and darkness.
Previous Dina Baker Fund for Mature Female Artists winners include Batia Lowenberg, Glenda Green, Debra Yates and Hegina Rodrigues. By providing a headquarters for the artistic community, the Cultural Council has benefited residents and artists and fostered a creative community.
Local artists have a place to highlight their work inside the historic Robert M. Montgomery Jr. Building, the council's headquarters in Lake Worth Beach.
Visit palmbeachculture.com for more information about the Cultural Council and michelehundt.com for details about the artist.
