Artwork copyright Christian Michel. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Happy Birth Day Grand Pa, 1994

Christian Michel
Haitian (born 1949)

Location: Manitou Elementary, Tacoma

About the Artwork

Artist Christian Michel created the painting 'Happy Birth Day Grand Pa" to encourage children and adults to visit their parents more. He based the scene on a real birthday visit, when a lonely seventy-four year old man's daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter surprised him. Michel notes, "After a deep breath, grand-pa cried and said 'I feel strong enough to live seventy-four more years.'"

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Tacoma Public Schools.

About the Artist

Christian Michel draws his artistic style and imagery from his Haitian culture, environment and history. He was born in Cadouche in northern Haiti. A high school teacher at Notre Dame College in Haiti saw his artistic talent and introduced him to a local artist who helped Michel develop his personal style. He currently lives and works in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.