Mason City Photographer Michelle Skarpness Selected for International Art Show in Illinois

MASON CITY, Iowa — A Mason City portrait photographer will showcase her work on an international stage next week, with an image she created for a local client selected for exhibition at a prestigious art show in Illinois.

Michelle Skarpness, owner and portrait artist of Michelle Skarpness Photography, has been selected to exhibit an image at the International Art Show hosted by the Photography Business Institute, according to a news release from the studio.

The selected portrait features local client Jenna Sheriff, of Jane Fischer & Associates LLC, and was created as part of the BeYOUtiful You photography project, which celebrates meaningful portraiture, individual personality and the art of preserving life’s important moments.

“I am so excited for Jenna and her family,” Skarpness said. “To have a portrait created here in Iowa selected for an International Art Show is such an incredible honor. This experience celebrates not only a beautiful image, but the personality and story behind it.”

The show will be held Tuesday, Sept. 15, at the Hoogland Center for the Arts in Springfield, Illinois. The exhibition features portrait artists whose work reflects excellence in portraiture, creativity and entrepreneurship, according to the release.

“We are incredibly proud to announce that Michelle Skarpness, a talented photographer from Mason City, Iowa, has been selected for this prestigious International Art Show,” Sarah Petty, founder of the Photography Business Institute, said. “This selection is a testament to the dedication, creativity, business quality and vision that define the artists featured in this show. Moments like these remind us of the profound impact art can have. Congratulations to Michelle on this well-deserved recognition.”

Following the International Art Show, Michelle Skarpness Photography will host a local BeYOUtiful You Art Show in Mason City on Oct. 15. The event will celebrate the women who participated in the project and showcase their portraits as photographic artwork. Community members are invited to attend, and additional details will be announced later, according to the release.

Michelle Skarpness Photography serves families in the Mason City and Clear Lake area with custom portrait experiences and photographic artwork, according to the release. The studio also creates sports photography for local athletes.