Michele Mancini Benton is a multifaceted artist whose vibrant paintings have been collected across the United States and Great Britain. Currently residing in Upstate New York, she has become known not only for her large, colorful, abstract pop pieces, but for her hand painted jackets which have graced the shoulders of MLB, NFL, NBA, and NCAA athletes’ family members.Despite being a two time Scholastic Gold Key for Art recipient in high school, Michele decided to push art aside indefinitely to focus on becoming a collegiate athlete. That hard work paid off and she achieved her goal of playing Division I basketball at Colgate University. Following her graduation, Michele signed a contract to play professional basketball in Luxembourg.Upon her return she transitioned into the corporate world and eventually “retired” early to become a stay at home mom, where she would eventually reignite her passion for art in 2016Find me on instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @michelebentonartExperience in basketball: Played at Division I Colgate -1989-93, Professionally with BBC Sparta in Luxembourg, New York State Basketball, NYS Section IV, and Sidney High School Halls of Fame inductee.Fundraising experience:Committee member, Coaches vs. Cancer BasketBall Fundraiser, held on 9/30/15. The event raised over $119,000.Co-chair of inaugural Hoopla fundraiser for Catholic Central basketball program, March, 2015. A total of $9000+ was raised to support both the boys' and girls' basketball programs. www.cchshoopla.comCo-chair of inaugural Hoopla fundraiser for Niskayuna basketball program, December 2012. A total of over $7000 was raised to support both the boys' and girls' basketball programs. Treasurer, Silver Warrior Basketball Association (Niskayuna Boys' Travel Program) through July 2015.Board Member & website maintenance, Albany Capitals Girls' Basketball AAU Club. www.albanycapitals.orgMaintained websites for Niskayuna travel basketball teams 2008-2015.