Meet Chrissy Groh ‘Miz Chaos | Artist”

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chrissy Groh ‘Miz Chaos” and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chrissy Groh, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
I believe art should be for everyone. I believe in sharing vibrancy and joy through public and accessible art. I want to give people “permission to play” – to have child-like glee, exploration, and the sense of adventure. I started as a painter and for the last year have dove head first into the world of street art. I believe all people no matter what their social or economic status should have the ability to see and experience beautiful things. I send stickers and pole installations around the world and I love seeing peoples excitement in putting up art in the streets. If I can do one thing in the world – I want to make it a brighter place. I love putting my pole installations in off the beaten path places – as if they are an extra incentive or prize in making the trek to discover more in the world.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I got to where I am today through a lot of hard work. I’ve been dedicating myself to be a full time artist for the last couple years. I would say I’m a very curious and inquisitive person – always wanting to push myself and constantly learn more. I’ve done two month long art residencies – one at the Lookout Arts Quarry in Bellingham, WA and one at the Fiasco Art Center in Pittsburgh, PA. Some work that I’m most proud of have been doing street art and merchandise collaborations with RX Skulls, getting my art printed on fabric for underwear for Hot Mango Undies and in December, getting my art projected on buildings in three cities in Spain. I call my style of street art “mixed media pop art surrealism” – where I find small objects and assemble them together, usually on neon pieces of painted wood, add colorful mosiac glass and resin over it. It’s been a fun way to collaborate with other artists and discover new places into the city (and beyond). I’ve been a painter for years but in the last year I’ve fallen in love with live painting for events.  I’ve gotten to do six speed painting competitions in three states – five Art Battles – three in Portland, one in Minneapolis and one in Seattle. I also competed in “Paint Fight” in Portland where I ended up getting second place. 

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting town – I would definitely drive them around and show them the street art and murals that are up. If it was a sunny summer day I would take them to Sauvie Island or Rooster Rock for a fun beach trip. I’m vegetarian – so for food I would probably take them to Bye and Bye, Thunderbird bar, Paradox, or Black Water – I’m a fan of a good alternative bar with rock music, stickers on the walls and pages of meat substitutions. If you’re a fan of a good themed bar and experiences I would recommend The Funhouse Lounge, Creepy’s, or Ravens Manor. If you could catch them when their speakeasy is open – the back room of Republic Cafe/Ming Lounge is a unique gem to the city hosting intimate dance parties and events in the back of a 100 year old Chinese restaurant.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to shout out RX Skulls who has been such a kind and enthusiastic street art mentor to me. I also want to shout out “My Father’s Place” drink and draw crew – that weekly push myself to be a better artist, collab with others and try new mediums. And lastly, my best friend Rally Gross, who always believed in me and has been one of my biggest cheerleaders. She has been such an emotional and mental rock for me for the last seven years.

Instagram: Instagram @mizchaos

Facebook: Facebook @ Miz Chaos

Other: Tik Tok @ mizchaospdx

Image Credits
Live painting photo by Chris Marett