Michele Vavonese is a professional artist and art educator who was born in Syracuse, New York. She currently lives and operates her art based business called the Michele Vavonese Studio in Long Beach, CA. Here she creates originals, portraits and commissioned art works for sale to public and private clientele. The MVStudio also creates works to advocate for worthy causes and donates time and art to help when needed.

She has shown and coordinated exhibits across the country in places such as New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Shes gained international recognition through various juried online art shows and competitions along with being a published artist and designer who has various pieces in private and public collections.

Michele has been teaching art to students at all levels and backgrounds, ages four to seventy-four for over 15 years. She has an M.F.A., graduating Magna Cum Laude from Rochester Institute of Technology and a B.F.A. with honors from State University of New York at Oswego.

Other professional honors include: receiving the 2006 Citizen Community Leadership Award from Long Beachs Eighth District Council Member Rae Gabelich, Site Advisory Board Member of Jamuse.com and member of the Alumni Board of Directors; California Division for Rochester Institute of Technology (1995 ~ present).