SAGINAW, MI, July 22, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Susan McColgan has been included in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Ms. McColgan has established a distinguished career in the arts, marked by her enduring commitment to portraiture and her expertise in acrylics and oils fine art paintings. Since 1988, she has served as the owner of Susie McColgan Art in Saginaw, Michigan. In this capacity, she oversees all aspects of her business, including reviewing projects, managing commissions and commercial work, designing painting collections and exhibitions, maintaining inventories, prioritizing tasks and organizing production schedules.

On a day-to-day basis, Ms. McColgan works extensively in her studio, painting, conducting color studies and compositions, designing and developing new painting series. Her approach is comprehensive, ensuring that each piece reflects her deep connection to art and her dedication to capturing the essence of her subjects.

Ms. McColgan's journey as an artist began in childhood, when she participated in advanced art classes during summers in middle school and exhibited her work at art fairs. This early immersion fostered a lifelong passion for creative expression across various mediums, with a particular affinity for acrylics, oils and watercolors. Ms. McColgan's specialty lies in portraiture, where she strives to reveal the soul and unique traits of each subject. She views every painting as a heartfelt process and values the relationships formed with collectors who acquire her work.

In addition to her artistic practice, Ms. McColgan has dedicated significant time to teaching art, sharing her knowledge and inspiring others to explore their creativity. Her commitment to education is evident in the many students she has mentored throughout her career. With over 25 years with an award-winning career in the arts industry Ms. McColgan is contracted for speaking engagements to coach, motivate and inspire audiences.

Ms. McColgan maintains active involvement in several professional art organizations, reflecting her ongoing engagement with the broader artistic community. She has been a member of the Portrait Society of America since 1999 and also participates in regional watercolor societies across multiple states. She has painted the portraits of such notables as Lee Iococa Chrysler Corporation, Dave Thomas of Wendy's Corporation, Tom Monaghan of Domino's Farms, Tom Brady, Desmond Howard and Charles Woodson.

Over the course of her career, Ms. McColgan has earned consistent recognition for the quality and emotional depth of her work. She was honored as Greatest of the Great Lakes Bay Artist by Great Lakes Publication in both 2017 and 2018, and since 2023 she received numerous national and international awards, including being selected for the International Artist Magazine Floral Publication in 2025, reflecting the continued impact of her evolving artistic voice.

Ms. McColgan's work has also been featured in a range of juried exhibitions and gallery presentations. In 2024, 2025 and 2026 she was named a featured artist at ADC Fine Art Gallery Gala Exhibitions and received an Award of Recognition from Art & Color 365 Magazine's Acrylics Competition. Her paintings have been selected for exhibitions such as the Cincinnati Art Club National Viewpoint 55 Annual Competition, as well as group shows at Eiselle Gallery in Cincinnati, Ohio, Steidel Contemporary Gallery in Palm Beach Florida, further establishing her presence within competitive and curated art spaces.

Beyond exhibitions, Ms. McColgan was commissioned as an artist for General Motors' International Environmental Print Campaign through a national competition and has works held in the permanent collection at MyMichigan Medical Centers throughout Michigan. Additional honors include Best of Show at the Midland Center of the Arts All Area Arts Competition, People's Choice Award at Michigan Art Fair and Editor's Choice for Greatest of the Great Lakes Bay. She received the most prestigious The Lifetime Achievement Award in 2025 from ADC Fine Art Gallery and The All Area Arts Award in Michigan in 2026.

Ms. McColgan's creative output includes several notable publications and projects. She was recognized as a featured artist in the 101 Floral Artbook published by the Arts to Heart Project; contributed to "Inside Susie McColgan's Dream Studio-Where Magic Meets Joy" for Arts to Hearts Project; authored "Susie's Solution" for University of Michigan Medicine; and was featured in Art Seen Magazine's 10th Edition Issue competition feature article.

Notably, Ms. McColgan's work has appeared in Arts to Hearts Magazine's "Faces & Figures" juried group show, Women United Art Magazine's Juried Exhibition Issue IV and Women United Art Movement's selected feature blog interview and solo show. She was also profiled in "Painting with Healing Energies and Warmth," a featured-artist article and interview in Arts to Hearts Magazine.

Ms. McColgan's academic foundation includes a Bachelor of Fine Arts in art and graphic design from the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, earned in 1981. This formal training provided essential skills that have supported her success as an artist, teacher and business owner
A defining moment in Ms. McColgan's life occurred in 2019 when she suffered a severe accident resulting in multiple fractures and a shattered hand. Through determination and rehabilitation — including two surgeries performed by Dr. Kevin Chi Chung — she relearned how to walk and use her hand for painting. Dr. Chung developed a specialized apparatus enabling her return to art, an act Ms. McColgan commemorated by painting his portrait as a gesture of gratitude. Her story was subsequently published by the University of Michigan Medicine and featured in other magazines, serving as an inspiration for perseverance.

Ms. McColgan attributes much of her success to her authenticity, consistently presenting herself with sincerity both personally and through her artwork. This genuine approach has enabled her to form meaningful connections with audiences who appreciate not only her work but also the insight she shares into her creative process. She remains committed to transparency and openness in her practice, values that continue to shape her artistic voice and strengthen her engagement with collectors and the broader community.

Born in Saginaw, Ms. McColgan enjoys music, attending live performances, sewing, skiing, swimming and sharing her love of art with her grandchildren. She is the mother of two children, with her daughter occasionally collaborating on larger projects. Looking ahead, Ms. McColgan plans to reach a wider audience through speaking engagements, writing and the development of digital content. She envisions a traveling exhibition of 10 paintings that could tour museums and pop-up venues nationwide, bringing inspiration and hope to viewers through her art.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. The suite of Marquis® publications, including Who's Who in America® and Who's Who in the World®, remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the globe. Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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