Title: Owner
Company: Susie McColgan Art
Location: Saginaw, Michigan, United States
Susie McColgan, Owner at Susie McColgan Art, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Artists for dedication, achievements, and leadership in the Fine Arts.
Ms. McColgan has established a distinguished career spanning over 35 years in the visual arts, marked by her expertise in portraiture and mastery of acrylics and oils. Since 1988, she has served as the owner of Susie McColgan Art in Saginaw, Michigan, where she oversees every aspect of her business. Her responsibilities include reviewing all projects, commissions and commercial work, and organizing and managing production schedules, in addition to painting and conducting color studies in her studio. Ms. McColgan’s commitment to excellence is evident in her hands-on approach to branding and advertising for her gallery, ensuring that each piece reflects her artistic vision.
In addition to her creative pursuits, Ms. McColgan has dedicated significant time to teaching art, sharing her knowledge and inspiring others to explore their own creativity. Her teaching philosophy centers on helping students understand the meanings and intentions behind each painting, fostering both technical skill and emotional connection.
Ms. McColgan’s journey as an artist began during childhood, when she participated in advanced art classes during summers in middle school and showcased her work at art fairs. This early immersion fostered a lifelong passion for art across various media, with a particular focus on capturing the essence of her subjects through portraiture. Ms. McColgan’s ability to convey the soul and unique traits of those she paints has become a hallmark of her work, earning her recognition among collectors who value the relationships she builds through her art.
In preparation for her future, Ms. McColgan’s academic foundation was laid at the University of Michigan, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in art and graphic design in 1981. This formal education equipped her with both technical proficiency and conceptual depth, supporting her evolution as an artist and entrepreneur.
Ms. McColgan has been an active member of the Portrait Society of America for over 25 years and participates in watercolor societies across three states. These affiliations have provided valuable opportunities for collaboration and professional growth within the art community.
Throughout her tenure in the field, Ms. McColgan has been fortunate to be commissioned as an artist for General Motors International. She has also been featured in numerous art shows, including a solo show accompanied by a featured blog interview for Women United Art Movement and the “Faces & Figures” juried group show for Arts To Hearts Magazine. Additionally, Ms. McClogan’s work has been exhibited at the Eisele Gallery and has been included in the permanent art collection at the Ascension Medical Center.
Ms. McColgan’s career is further distinguished by numerous features and accolades. She was highlighted in “Inside Susie McColgan’s Dream Studio, Where Magic Meets Joy” by the Arts To Hearts Project, “Susie’s Solution” by Michigan Medicine at the University of Michigan, Art Seen Magazine 10th Edition, and a juried exhibition from Women United Art Magazine Issue IV. Moreover, Ms. McColgan’s creative projects included being a featured artist at the ADC Fine Art Gallery and contributing to “101 Floral Artbook” by Arts To Heart Project.
A pivotal moment in Ms. McColgan’s life occurred in 2019 when she suffered a severe accident resulting in a fractured pelvis and ribs, along with a shattered hand. The recovery process required immense determination as she relearned how to walk and use her hand. With the support of her occupational therapist and physician, who performed two surgeries on her hand and designed a special apparatus to enable painting, Ms. McColgan returned to her craft. In gratitude, she painted Dr. Chung’s portrait and presented it to him during one of her final appointments. Her story was subsequently published by the University of Michigan’s publications and featured in another magazine.
Throughout her career, Ms. McColgan has received numerous awards recognizing her artistic excellence. She received a People’s Choice Award at the Michigan Art Fair, was named Editor’s Choice for Greatest of the Great Lakes Bay by the Great Lakes Publication, was recognized in the Acrylics Competition by Art & Color 365 Magazine, won the Animals Competition Award from Art & Color 365 Magazine and, among others, received a Lifetime Achievement Award from ABC Fine Art Gallery in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Ms. McColgan attributes her success to unwavering dedication, authenticity and meaningful partnerships formed throughout her career. She credits much of her recent growth to collaborations with social media experts, which enabled her to expand her online presence despite initial unfamiliarity with digital platforms like Instagram. By analyzing past successes and adapting to new challenges within a saturated market, Ms. McColgan partnered with a team offering comprehensive expertise that helped elevate her visibility.
Looking ahead, Ms. McColgan aims to reach a broader audience through speaking engagements, writing books or creating downloadable content. She also envisions developing a traveling show featuring 10 paintings that can tour museums or pop-up events to inspire hope and uplift viewers through art. Ms. McColgan continues to inspire others with resilience, creativity and an unwavering commitment to sharing beauty through portraiture while fostering connections within the artistic community.
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