Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Melanie Dockery. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Melanie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
A great friend of mine is a breast cancer survivor. When she started seeing my artwork on Facebook, she asked if I could create a sign for her Campaign against breast cancer titled “Check to Detect”. Her nonprofit organization grew and I now donate a “Check to Detect” yard sign every year to support a breast cancer survivor. My grandmother also lost her battle with breast cancer years ago. It fills my soul to see the joy and sunshine my art brings breast cancer survivors and many others.
Melanie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
BIO: My name is Melanie C. Dockery, owner of Creative Arts by Melanie, LLC and I specialize in abstract and 3-D art paintings. My family will tell you I was gifted with the talent for art at birth. I would decorate outside of my home for Christmas and other holidays and create clothes for my baby dolls. Anytime my mom needed something painted and crafted, she would have me complete the task. As with all children back in my era of school attendance, I was formally introduced to art in grade school which inspired me to want to learn more. I continued building my passion for art with three years of high school teachings and one semester of oil painting classes upon graduation. I became a military spouse traveling the world with my husband and two children. This afforded me to launch in-home daycare for military families. Arts and crafts were a centerpiece of my teachings to all my daycare children including my very own. I’ve also worked in school systems across the United States culminating in being a high school registrar. My husband and I retired from the military (smile) after 20 years and my children graduated from high school. I knew it was time for me to act upon my lifelong passion of art. Plus, I now have a grandson who thoroughly enjoys painting with Mimi. Why would I work a 9 to 5 office job when I could now set my own hours and spend time teaching my passion of art to him and make an income? I walked away from my government contractor job.
I founded Creative Arts by Melanie, LLC in February 2019 and haven’t looked back. I have participated in several Arts and Crafts events in the local area with success and have been commissioned to paint projects for homes and schools. I’ve launched a Facebook and Instagram page where my work is displayed (FB – Creative Arts by Melanie, LLC; IG – creativeartsby_melaniellc). I enjoy the excitement of not only owning my own business, but the joy of doing art daily and the satisfaction and graciousness of my customers when I deliver my artwork to them. The support of my family is unwavering, and they continue to push me to my limits with love. This is only the beginning and I’m elated to know I can finally do what I’ve always dreamed of doing and that is my passion…Art!
I got into the Art business in 2019. I provide a variety of eclectic, mix media artwork, crafts and paint and sip parties. Dealing with customers is always a joy and if there’s an issue with a product, I assure them to contact me to resolve the matter. What sets me apart from others is my artistry…I love implementing metal, wood, yarn and such, I’m always thinking outside the box (canvas):) I’m most proud of the four feet High School mascot I painted for an assistant principal and my strength to never give up. I want clients to know that I’m a devoted business person when providing Commissioned art work, Dedicated, Friendly and Attentive to their needs and wants.
Is there a mission driving your creative journey?
My goal is to press my artistry to the world through an artistic eye. It’s been challenging over the years. I’ve always had a passion for art. Raising my family and being a supportive military wife became my priority so I expressed my creativity as a parent, daycare professional and a substitute teacher. That made me feel FREE!
I quit my job at the beginning of the pandemic and that allowed me to focus on my passion for art. Since then, I’ve been participating in art festivals; taught private art lessons; conducted sip and paint parties; and completed commissioned artwork. My goal is for ME to get back to ME…THE ARTIST! An artist is who I am. This passion is my push to one day have my own Art Studio for all to visit and be expressive.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is seeing the satisfaction and excitement on my clients faces once they see the final product and that the art piece is exactly what they envisioned and more. Also, witnessing someone admiring my piece and revealing to me their thoughts of it and matching my exact thoughts of the artwork.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: creativeartsby_melaniellc
- Facebook: @CreativeArtsbyMelanie.net
- Other: Etsy: CreativeArtsByMelLLC