I took my first art class from Melanie Jackson in 2002. The only art I had had up to that point might have been in grade school...with a crayon. I never, ever planned to be an artist. Melanie was teaching Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain at the Rec center in Franklin. I happened to see an ...continue reading

When I teach basic drawing workshops I am continually telling my students that I want them to learn to see like an artist. When my drawing teacher, Melanie Jackson, told me that the first time, I wondered what she meant. How do you learn to see like an artist? Don't we all see the ...continue reading

I was sitting at my desk making a handmade card to send to a friend who is having emotional and health issues and needed a word of encouragement. I love making cards. I love encouraging people. I love helping others discover they have more inside themselves than they think they do. And, while making ...continue reading

Decades ago, our middle child, Jared, was struggling to find out who he was, what was his purpose and all the drama of teen angst. We, his parents, were trying desperately to help him and ease his struggles. We took Jared to work with a learning specialist and discovered through a series of tests ...continue reading

If I had a dollar for every time someone said, "I can't draw a stick figure!" or "I don't have a creative bone in my body!" I would certainly have a sizable savings account! I heard it again the other day. As soon as someone finds out you're an artist, they immediately tell you they ...continue reading