This year, four Eastern Michigan University student artists were selected to have their work shown year-round in Michigan’s Legislature. EMU School of Art and Design professors Maria Ruggiero and Amy Sacksteder submitted the students’ work to Michigan’s Art in the Legislature program.
The annual program, presented by the Michigan Legislature and the Michigan Association of State Universities, showcases art from Michigan’s 15 public universities in Michigan’s House of Representatives and Senate buildings. The program aims to "promote art in everyday life."
The 2025 display was installed and the student artist reception held on Wednesday, Oct. 8 in Heritage Hall at the State Capitol in Lansing. A total of six pieces from EMU are currently on display.
Meet the artists and their work
Paris Stinson
Based in Canton, Stinson is in the last year of her Bachelor of Fine Arts with a concentration in 2D media. For Stinson, the experience of pushing boundaries and what a medium allows is a major inspiration for creating.
“Puzzle Me” is a self-portrait Stinson completed in watercolor inspired by collage artist Ed Woods.
“I really enjoy letting the medium speak for itself, but also being in constant dialogue with what I am painting with,” Stinson said.
“Amara” features Stinson's own mythical creature. Amara was formed with inspiration from the Greek goddess Aphrodite.
Stinson wanted to represent Black women as “romantic, lustful but having a little bit of mischief to us." The name Amara comes from Swahili, meaning love and grace.
See Stinson's work on Instagram @paris.make.art or on her website at www.parisstinson.com.
Meagan Wohltjen
Based in DeWitt, Wohltjen finished their Bachelor of Arts in 2025, minoring in graphic communication. Photography has been a passion of Wohltjen's since childhood.
"My dad is an artist, so all my siblings and I grew up painting and drawing," Wohltjen said.
During Wohltjen's third year at EMU, they fell in love with watercolor.
“Threads of Home” is a still life watercolor portrait of a collection of memories from Wohltjen's life.
"Watercolor has a soft and unpredictable way it works, and it resonates with me," Wohltjen said.
Wohltjen's major inspirations are music and family; together, both are featured in the artwork.
See Wohltjen’s work on Instagram @MeaganWohltjen.
Sharelle Krisel
Based in Ypsilanti, Krisel finished their Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2025, focusing on illustration. Post-graduation, Krisel aims to become a children's book illustrator. Inspirations for Krisel are found in everyday life and the whimsical nature of imagination.
“Hidden Journey" is a watercolor portrait representing a young girl who is similar to Red Riding Hood. Krisel created a spotlight at the end of the road where something good lies ahead.
“My interest in art started in preschool through reading children’s books in the school library," Krisel said.
See Krisel’s work on Instagram @skarellesart or on their website at skarellesart.wixsite.com/portfolio.
Olivia Blissick
Based in Chelsea, Olivia Blissick graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a bachelor's degree in 2025.
Blissick did not respond to a request for comment.
