About
Teriz Michael is a licensed therapist and local professional artist who loves to express the complex and delightful experiences of life in a unique and colorful abstract style. Memory, emotion, consciousness, relationships, life events, and spirituality serve as references for her abstract works of art. Teriz is also inspired by the sublime landscapes and distinct cultural heritage of countries such as Egypt and Bermuda.
Teriz was born in Cairo, Egypt and grew up in Jersey City, NJ since second grade. Her intensive studies in Art began during high school at the Visual & Performing Arts High School Magnet Program in Jersey City. Teriz Michael earned a Silas Rhodes Scholarship at the School of Visual Arts in New York City, NY and graduated in 2003 with a BFA in Fine Arts. In May 2022, Teriz completed her MSW degree from Rutgers University with an emphasis on clinical practice.
She has painted murals in Jersey City, NJ and at St. Simon Monastery in Moqattam, Cairo. Her work in the Zaballeen community of Moqattam paved the way for connecting with Zana Briski (2004 Oscar Winner of "Born Into Brothels”) who awarded Teriz a grant to lead the Kids With Cameras Photography Workshop in Moqattam during 2006. The Kids With Cameras Cairo Photography Workshop opened the door for collaboration with Mai Iskander on her award-winning documentary film "Garbage Dreams". Teriz also consulted international artists and non-profits on best practices for art integration and advocacy within marginal communities.
Her art education experience includes teaching Art in public, charter, non-profit, and private schools. Teriz is a certified Art Teacher and School Social Worker in New Jersey.
Teriz was recently commissioned by Saint Anianus Coptic Orthodox Church in Monroe, NJ to write their icons.
Teriz Michael lives in NJ with her husband and 2 teenage children. Teriz is currently working at Rutgers University as a clinical social worker providing intensive psychotherapy to young adults and their families. She enjoys writing, acting, gardening, reading, photography, walking, kayaking, and creativity coaching.
ART EDUCATION
https://www.instagram.com/trumanartists/?hl=en
ACTING
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wQI5kUDTZ0
FINE ART
https://youtu.be/s1KMka11c9g?si=ZHidDu2yHnVXAoEg
EXHIBITIONS
Group Exhibit, Alfa Art Gallery, New Brunswick, NJ Sept 2023
BCRC - Beyond Pink Art Show, Princeton, NJ Oct 2018, 2019
Art Jam 2018, Palmer Square, Princeton, NJ April 2018
Group Exhibit, Perth Amboy Gallery Center for the Arts, NJ Feb 2018
Group Exhibit, Art Space at HomeFront, Ewing, NJ Dec 2016
Group Exhibit, Alfa Art Gallery, New Brunswick, NJ Nov 2016
Group Exhibit, Gourgaud Gallery, Cranbury, NJ August 2016
Members' Non-Juried Exhibit, The Center for Contemporary Arts, Bedminster, NJ June - Sept 2016
Art and Motherhood, Stone Hill Church of Princeton, Princeton NJ Jan - March 2016
Art in Heaven, Lowes Historical Theatre, Jersey City, NJ Annually 2010 - 2016
Society for Photographic Education, Emmanuel Gallery, Denver, CO Feb - Apr 2008
2008 Convention: Agents of Change: Art and Advocacy
March Women’s Month, Rotunda Gallery, Jersey City, NJ March 2005
Jersey City Artist’s Studio Tour, Citywide Exhibition, Jersey City, NJ 2004 and 1999
BFA Open Studio, School of Visual Arts, New York, NY Dec. 2002 & May 2003
Blessed be Egypt my People, Rotunda Gallery, Jersey City, NJ May 1999
Beyond Shades of Gray, Five Corners Public Library, Jersey City, NJ March 1999
AWARDS
Yetta H. and Hyman Appel Scholarship Recipient 2021- 2022
Artist in Residence, Hall Farm Center for Arts and Education, Townshend, VT Sept 2003
Silas H. Rhodes Scholarship, School of Visual Arts, New York, NY 1999 - 2003
Governor’s Award in Art Education, Recipient, NJ Governor’s Office, Trenton, NJ 1999
Gold Key Winner, Regional Scholastic Art & Writing Competition 1999
Jersey City Student Representative, Jersey City Board of Education 1998 - 1999