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 within the future work paradigm, in which she found that people of all ages and genders, irrespective of their career stage, are eager to be creative to find motivation and meaning in their work. The various research projects she’s worked on, her PhD research, and her extensive working life experience 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. Placing her research career on hold for some time, Michelle has completed the Diploma of Visual Arts at the Adelaide Central School of Art and is currently seeking to enhance her professional practice by pursuing additional qualifications in psychology. 

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Under Michelle’s leadership, the gallery served 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 was supported by a network of peers and colleagues contributing in-kind expertise. Michelle brought a strong ethos of support and encouragement to her role, aiming to elevate artists’ profiles and expand their professional opportunities. Keep in touch in case the opportunity to re-open the gallery presents in the future.