Heart and talent intersect to create art that inspires

Her goal is simple: To make every piece of art with heart.

At 15, Marissa H. and her family moved cross-country from Oregon to Florida. Her path to finding the perfect spot where her artistry and education could flourish began at Dixie Hollins High School, in a creative writing class.

That was where she met friend Amanda Allen, classmate and student in Creative Clay’s Transition Program. Their shared love of art and creativity complemented their blossoming friendship and soon, Marissa was able to accept an opening in Creative Clay’s Community Arts Program.

“I’ve always been a creative person,” said Marissa. “When I moved to Florida, I knew I wanted to become an artist, but I didn’t know where to go.”

“Marissa joined the Community Arts Program in 2017, and is an inspired and motivated artist,” said Jody Bikoff, curator and exhibitions director. “Marissa has demonstrated a keen interest in learning and expanding her repertoire by experimenting in a variety of medias, such as acrylics, pastels and colored pencil.”

She was the featured artist in 2018 in our Good Folk Gallery, and created a body of work titled “Walking Among Indians.” The works included Mayan printmaking and Native American art, as well as other popular pieces using clay, pastel, color pencil, water color and acrylic paint.

“I was really proud of my Indian-inspired show,” she said. “I love to make art that inspires me.”

Marissa’s art expression has also focused on writing and design.

“I am a writer/fashion designer,” she said. “I also create murder mysteries. Every murder scene in my adult book is based on a famous part of Oregon. And I re-write children’s stories. And I also create clothing for people with disabilities,” she said.

Marissa’s art was most recently featured in Creative Clay’s “Under the Sea” exhibit in its Good Folk Gallery. Marissa says she draws inspiration from her desire to create art that relates to her life.

“I enjoy painting lighthouses and boats because my dad used to collect anything that was nautical,” she said. “My aunt also loves nautical-themed pieces, too. I wanted to create something that honored my dad.”

Marissa’s art is also in demand in the community. She has a fan base in many of the staff in the local home therapy industry who know her as a client, but admire her as an artist. In fact, two of the most highly attended second Saturday ArtWalk events were a direct result of Marissa’s own marketing.

“I promoted my exhibits and ArtWalk on Facebook, and told everyone I knew,” she said. “I also mentioned that ArtWalk is kid-friendly.”

Marissa is currently working feverishly to make and paint 60 wreath ornaments as a commissioned project requested by her friends in the home therapy industry.

When not in the studio, Marissa visits galleries and museums and spends time on her hobbies. “I love all different kinds of music and I love being with my two cats, Ricky and Kate, and hanging out with my Mom. I listen to audio books for inspiration and I watch TV crime shows for inspiration for my books. I want my murder mysteries to be a movie someday,” Marissa said.

New beginnings spawned by a family move as a teenager only serve as a catalyst and model for this artist. As a new year approaches, so do exciting opportunities. Marissa will be one of six artists chosen to work one-on-one with a professional artist in Creative Clay’s Artlink mentoring program.

This is a perfect opportunity for an artist who strives to be better.

“My favorite part of Creative Clay is how everyone has their differences, but we all help each other,” said Marissa. “It makes me want to be a better artist.”