Women should be someone, not something.
Mary Cassatt

The portrait “Mint Jelly Dreams” is the recipient of the Emerging Woman Artist award provided by Women Empowering Women, a nonprofit organization in Dickinson. The award is in the Amateur Division of the Badlands Art Association show held in November.

Artist Chantel Fugere has been focusing on her art in her free time since returning from Japan where she taught English for three years. It was in Japan that she first focused on powerful women in history as a muse to her art. Her early illustrations portrayed women in contemporary art and feminism through digital artwork. Moving into acrylics and oils is a new medium for Chantel and as evidenced by this piece – a success! She is committed to portraying women as the best versions of themselves. Her work represents the divine femininity of women through art that is thoughtfully inclusive of all women. Chantel is inspired by women of all ages, women of color and women with disabilities.

Fugere is a graduate of Dickinson High School and holds a Bachelor in Fine Arts and Design with emphasis in illustration from MSU Moorhead. She offers freelance commissioned portrait work for people and character design and can be reached at chantelfugere@gmail.com.

Women Empowering Women is dedicated to the collaboration of women to meet needs and helping women become the best versions of themselves. Kudos is a program to recognize the good works women do. These are women who’ve lived quietly, joyfully or creatively to influence our lives. They are an inspiration and deserve to be recognized for their efforts and impact.