was born and raised in San Diego CA and graduated from CalArts in 2001with a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts. Despite dealing with chronic pain and other physical challenges, Melissa finds peace within her paintings and poetry. She has been part of several exhibitions and been a guest speaker/artist in Kentucky, New York, Michigan and California. Melissa captivates her audiences with her exuberance, passion, vulnerability, humor and honesty. Her art and poetry speak to the hearts of audiences of all ages because it is so pure. Each piece or poem represents her journey with God… a lesson learned, a prayer spoken, a tear wiped, true joy lived, hope reborn and a faith evolving.

2010:
Member of Gallery 104
Art Auction for Royal Family Kids Camp
2009:
“Why Happy, Why Sad” Book displayed in Getty Library
Silent Art Auction (Fundraiser for RFKC)
Guest Artist/Speaker at United Methodist
Private Art Teacher
Freelance Computer Tech.
Commissioned Paintings for special events
2008:
ArtWalk in Little Italy
“A is for Art” Children’s Program (2007)
Royal Family Kid’s Camp Creative Staff
Freelance Colour Design project for client
On call Visiting Artist for Elementary Class
Edited, programmed DVD for Domestic Violence Council
2007:
ArtWalk on the Bay
Whole 9 Art Community Member
Cafepress Website and Shop Member
Studio Vivace Exhibition Artist and Guest Speaker
Carlsbad Village Art Exhibiting Artist
2006:
Windmill Farms Exhibition Artist in Gift Shop
The Great Indoors Exhibition Artist and Live Art Performance
Freelance Shirt Designer for rose and lula co.
Artist Member of Many Hands Gallery

You would want my work in your museum, gallery or art collection or home because my artwork is something more than "theory" and "aesthetics," I have a voice in my work and there is a story through each piece. This story is to help others realize there is hope.