Meet the Director

Dr Michelle Oppert, PhD

As the Director of The Calico Cat Gallery, Michelle brings a unique and interdisciplinary perspective to the art world, blending her extensive academic background in psychology with a deep commitment to creativity in the visual arts. Her PhD investigated the value of creativity for successful ageing, specifically in the future work paradigm, whereby she found that people of all ages and genders, irrespective of their career stage, are eager to be creative to find a sense of motivation and meaning in their work. The various research projects she’s worked on and her PhD research have led to her ambition to support emerging South Australian visual artists and ceramicists.

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To help ground and guide her through the often confronting and challenging research projects, Michelle has spent much time engaging in visual arts, photography, and ceramics. This passion for the transformative power of creativity has shaped Michelle’s ambition to champion emerging South Australian visual artists and ceramicists. Now, having placed her research career on hold to pursue a Bachelor of Visual Arts at the Adelaide Central School of Art, she is fully dedicated to curating and directing The Calico Cat Gallery.

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Under Michelle’s leadership, the gallery serves as a platform for emerging artists, introducing their work to new audiences and fostering meaningful engagement within the broader community. Michelle's work at the gallery is supported by a network of peers and colleagues contributing in-kind expertise. With a history of successfully mentoring students and research assistants, Michelle brings a strong ethos of support and encouragement to her role, aiming to elevate artists’ profiles and expand their professional opportunities.