Shannon Rose Merrigan is a Muslim American artist born and raised in the Portland area. A graduate of Portland State University, she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Art Practices in June, 2017. Drawing and painting for over twenty years she has an extensive collection of work, many in private collections. She has participated in several gallery showings in the greater Portland Metropolitan area. In addition she has been teaching online art classes for children and adults since March 2020. Artist Statement: I believe when an artwork is presented that is both thought provoking and beautiful we pause for a moment and are elevated above the mundane world in which we are living. For a moment we are lifted out of the fog to a place of clarity and genuine feeling. This is what I seek within my artwork. I start with what I find intriguing for some kind of special beauty that inherently lies within it. I explore, examine and re-imagine through the process of painting. -Shannon Rose Merrigan 2022