Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Michelle Erskine. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Michelle thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

Being a full time artist and business owner requires a constant state of re-invention and creative pivoting. Even though I have three different businesses, all three have a similar theme of connection, sharing and building community. I spend a significant amount of time volunteering for local events, and also running my own non-profit out of my art gallery.

I am the owner of Art Truckee Gallery, located in Truckee, CA. I own Michelle Erskine Entertainment, promoting artists and entertainers in the Reno, Truckee & Lake Tahoe area. I also am the managing director for eWomenNetwork Reno/Tahoe, supporting women leaders, authors, speakers and entrepreneurs.

Being a creative and a business owner is a tricky balance, I find myself in seasons of artistic focus and seasons of focusing on making money, it’s very challenging to efficiently do both at the same time. Also, trying to navigate high rent in downtown Truckee lead to multiple types of partnerships and collaborations. Having a physical location for selling art was key to any success I would see over the last 20 years, moving my gallery multiple times and re-imagining my business plan and goals with each new physical location.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I strive to live a vibrant life, balancing all the elements of motherhood, fine & performing arts, entrepreneurship and philanthropy.

I knew from an early age, about fifth grade that I loved art, especially photography. I started out on the school newspaper and yearbook, then as senior class historian I really began to discover what photography was all about. Fast forward to 2025, my portfolio focuses on fine art landscape photography, emphasizing bold sunsets and mesmerizing sunrises, with dynamic lines and colors in the skies and waters. My photography is on display at the Art Truckee Gallery, online and at numerous other locations in the Truckee & Reno area.

Art Truckee Gallery Owner
Art Truckee Gallery opened in May 2016 in downtown Truckee. Preserving and promoting Truckee’s beloved history and culture, Art Truckee hosted multiple events including theater performances, live music, comedy nights, events benefiting the local community and other inspired performing arts that added to the creative ambiance. The walls were lined with beautiful photography and paintings, showcasing a variety of art and local artists.

Also from an early age, I began performing, dancing, producing events and developing a love for building community and bringing people together. After moving to Truckee and creating a hub for artists, creatives and other non-profits to gather, I quickly realized the lack of opportunity for local talent, and my entertainment company was born.

Michelle Erskine Entertainment owner/performer
M.E. Entertainment supports, encourages and celebrates creative, local talent. from solo acoustic guitar to dancers, DJ’s, live theater, live painting and aerial performances to larger bands, you’ll be able to find a variety of quality entertainment to meet your event needs. Over the last 10 years, Michelle Erskine Entertainment has partnered with multiple non-profits, producing and curated fundraising events, providing work for local artists and entertainers, but also raising thousands of dollars for local youth, seniors & arts initiatives. All of these performers are also available for private events.

Websites and social media Links:

ArtTruckee.com https://www.arttruckee.com/
BookingTahoe.com https://www.michelleerskineentertainment.com/
LinkedIn: Michelle Erskine https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleerskine/

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

We can make art a more essential role in our daily lives and bring it back to the public schools, integrating art more into the core classes. I believe art improves quality of life.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Covid was terrible in a lot of ways, but it also brought clarity to my “why”, and how I wanted to operate my business. Starting over after about 2 years of sickness, fear and uncertainty, I saw how important the arts are for quality of life, healing, joy, and a sense of inclusion. Art is for everyone – those who create it and those who appreciate and benefit from it. I had to pivot in how I was operating my business, my hours, the mask wearing, creating online performance opportunities, and trying to keep people hopeful and engaged.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.michelleerskineentertainment.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/m.e.entertainment/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArtTruckee/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleerskine/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@m.e.entertainment
• Other: https://www.arttruckee.com/

  https://www.instagram.com/art_truckee/

Image Credits

The black and white photo of ME was taken by “Court Leve”.

All other photos I took,
“Photo provided by ME Entertainment” for music
or
“Photo provided by Art Truckee” for art