Megan Foldenauer has created paintings varying from the size of a coaster to a canvas that can only fit in their garage — but since 2024, Foldenauer has armed the creative forces of Ypsilanti in a little shop on North Huron Street.
In 2021, the concept of Ypsi Art and Supply seemed like a distant dream to Foldenauer. But Jennifer Eastridge, former owner of Unicorn Feed and Supply and Stone and Spoon Gallery, helped guide and nourish the idea into reality.
In April 2023, Ypsi Art and Supply was born, originating in the Riverside Arts Center as a boutique within the organization. In February 2024, the official storefront was opened down the street at 42 N. Huron St.
For the first year that Ypsi Art and Supply was open, Foldenauer continued their work as a multimedia specialist and medical illustrator for the University of Michigan Department of Neurosurgery.
Foldenauer received their Bachelor of Fine Arts from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and a Bachelor of Science from Eastern Michigan University. Foldenauer went on to receive their Master of Art in medical and biological illustration at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and their doctorate in anatomy at Wayne State University.
Medical illustrating and anatomic drawing have remained a profession and passion for Foldenauer over the last 20 years. Foldenauer continues to freelance in medical illustrating, but their main focus now is Ypsi Art and Supply.
When it comes to their personal art, Foldenauer started tiny — not with their ideas or passions, but with their canvas. The small work focuses on detail and precision. With their background in anatomy, Foldenauer finds the microscopic details to be in the texture of the portrait.
In 2019, Foldenauer began vending at the Ann Arbor Art Fair. Through participatory art at the fair, passerby get a look behind the scenes of Foldenauer's creative process.
Creativity has come naturally but not always with ease to Foldenauer. Focusing on previous accomplishments has been their recipe for progress.
“It took a long time to connect and actively participate in my art making,” Foldenauer said.
Shifting their perspective also keeps Foldenauer excited to craft and experiment with new methods of expression. A flexible mindset has allowed Foldenauer to put the fun back into the process of imagination and creation.
Foldenauer thinks it is important to act quickly when inspiration strikes.
“Stop thinking and just start doing! Grab your pencil and go," Foldenauer said.
See more of Megan Foldenauer’s work on their Instagram @MeganFoldenauer or visit their website at https://www.meganlovestodraw.com.
Learn more about Foldenauer's Ypsi Art Supply on the storefront's Instagram @YpsiArtSupply or visit its website at ypsiartsupply.com.
