Sharing part of herself
Melissa Taylor, 29, is a decorative artist, and her surroundings are testimony to that.
Her friends call her “Martha Mel.” The reasons would be apparent if you were to see her home and her garden, decorated in a style worthy of the pages of any home magazine.
Her cooking and baking also show artistic flair, capable of impressing any critic, even one who drops by unannounced, and who, minutes later, is presented with a plate of hors d’oeuvres that is as pretty as a picture.
“It’s all about putting a smile on someone’s face,” she says, “and sharing a part of myself.”
At Central Valley High School, she chose art over sports, and an inspiring art teacher helped her put a portfolio together that earned her a partial scholarship to the arts program at Spokane Falls Community College.
Deciding later that art in Spokane wasn’t “here yet,” she moved into the medical field and works as a patient coordinator at a periodontics office in the Valley. Her solid financial foundation has given her what she needs in order to paint.
Six years ago, she showed her work in public for the first time at an outdoor art show, and has done one annually ever since.
Two rooms in her Valley home serve as workspace where, in an Americana style, she paints on antique windows. Her subject matters range from flowers to the American flag.
Her customers and friends have helped spread the word that what she really wants to do is paint murals in homes and businesses.
She has done eight so far. The first was a life-sized tiger in a children’s room, another was the Golden Gate Bridge on the full length of a wall. Soon she will be painting a garden theme on a rock wall that borders an outdoor patio.
Children inspire much of her work. From her unaffected painted windows to her dream-like murals that serve as an escape route to another world, her style could bring out the inner child in even the most mature adult.
“I’m everybody’s aunt,” said Taylor.
She enjoys the company of children. Taylor is planning to have an art fiesta in her back yard in August. She will be inviting 40 kids, ages 2 to 13, and their mothers. The event will include a barbecue and art projects. Her goal show kids how to express themselves and be creative. Motivated by the simple enjoyment of making kids happy, she hopes to make it an annual event.
Taylor feels that it is important to share her gift, and to show others how to use their talents.
“Art is like yoga to me,” Taylor says, “when I am overwhelmed by the worries of the world, I paint.”
Married to her high school sweetheart, Josh, she does not know what her future holds.
“I have a great job,” she says, “and art is just a hobby, but I hope to make it into a career one day.”
Although she still feels in the “Can I do this?” stage, the “Yes I can!” stage is right around the corner.