Introduction

Hey Ya’ll, heyyyyyy!  I am Melissa and I am a Certified Art Therapist.  I offer step-by-step instructions on how to paint and most importantly how to relaxxxx and enjoy being creative.  That seems like a very “official” way to say that I host online paint parties and we paint and have a great time getting to know each other and unwinding.

WHEN LIFE HANDS YOU LEMONS AND LEMONADE GIVES YOU HEARTBURN – YOU PIVOT!

When Covid struck and the whole world shut down, so did my studio.  I eventually moved into a small space in my hometown but it just was not the same so I took the plunge and brought my classes to the online world and it has been fun, rewarding and challenging at times.  I am admittedly the least knowledgeable person when it comes to technology and social media so I am on the struggle bus when it comes to video production but I am determined to make it work.

The great thing about being online is that it allows me the opportunity to connect with so many more people than I would by just offering in person classes, and I am really enjoying that.  I have met so many fantastic people who I now call friends and I love interacting with them through painting.  I 100% believe that being creative is therapeutic and social interaction is as well so when you marry those two together, it is just good for your soul.  The world needs more of that in my opinion.

The biggest reason I offer these paint classes (aside from my love of meeting new people and painting) is MY WHY.  For the last decade, I have been invested in facilitating hope, help and financial assistance to women and children who flee abuse, women who are struggling single Moms and children who have talent but do not have the opportunity to explore their talent.  I am passionate about restoring hope in the lives I am blessed to touch, and I wish I could give them the world, but unfortunately I cannot afford the world, so I do what I can to raise money to assist  them on their journey to rehabilitation, growth and self-sufficiency.  It is so important to me to know that I am lending a hand to those who need it and I absolutely could not do this on my own, so I am extremely grateful and humbled by each of you who support this mission.  They say it takes a village, and it truly does.

All of this to say, come paint with me!  I make it easy for you.  Each purchase comes with a supply list (all low-cost supplies), a tracer and a yummy recipe that you can make to eat while we paint.  I am a huge foodie, so you can always count on me to have something to snack on.  Soooo, grab a friend or three, make some snacks and let’s do this thing!  I promise you will leave with a painting you can be proud of but more importantly, you will know that you did a great thing and that it meant something to someone in despair.  Is there anything better?

See ya on Friday!