Tag: Mixed Media
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The Science of Art
I have exciting news! I was asked to write an article for State College Magazine and it was published this month (August 2026). Can you believe it? I can’t! To say 2026 has been a good year is an understatement, it has exceeded my wildest expectations. I had 9 floral paintings on display at the…
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The Scenic Route
I’ve been driving more miles this summer than making art. It seems I’m in a season of go, go, go: pack, laundry, re-pack, repeat. No complaints here, I’m enjoying my road trip opportunities to explore new sights and appreciate new experiences, and to savor the scenic route whenever possible. While my odometer is turning mindless…
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Crazy!
Want to hear something crazy? I have a work of art currently on display in the Palmer Museum of Art, Penn State’s art museum! Palmer has, in its permanent collection, works by many notable artists including 2 of my absolute art heroes, painter Georgia O’Keeffe, and glass blower, Dale Chihuly. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed visiting two museums…
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Geographic Touchstones
I discovered the term “geographic touchstone,” a landscape we return to again and again, in a magazine 20 or more years ago and loved it immediately. The physical features of the place, beach or mountain, river or lake, become etched into who we are, like topographic lines on the maps of our hearts. Far more…
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The Critique
“Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice.”Steve Jobs I’ve never found putting myself “out there” easy. Last month I wrote of my gratitude for friends and family who came to see my paintings on display at the Bellefonte Art Museum. I am endlessly blessed and buoyed by the incredible…
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The Flower Shop
Huge thanks to family and friends, near and far, who traveled to Centre County to see the 9 paintings I had hanging in the Bellefonte Art Museum during the month of March 2026. I was able to accompany many of you to see the show and, for someone who paints alone in her 2nd floor bedroom-turned…
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Two Roads
Stamp collectors from around the world travel to the American Philatelic Society in the small town of Bellefonte, PA, just east of my home in State College. One day, while browsing the society’s exhibits and small shop, I found a commemorative stamp set honoring the life and writing of Robert Frost. I’ve reflected on his famous poem,…
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Be Where My Feet Are
Note: The artwork featured above is 1 of 9 paintings of mine that will be on display at the Bellefonte Art Museum in March 2026. The show is titled, “The Flower Shop.” Please visit if you can! The museum is open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 12-4:30 and is housed in a glorious historic home…
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Breadcrumbs
My husband, Art, recently launched his own blog. His “why” for writing? To help him answer the question he is most often asked when anyone discovers we have visited all 63 national parks, “which park was your favorite?” It’s a simple, 5-word question that’s lead to a complex, many word answer. To that end, he’s been…
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My Paean
Here’s a nerdy but likely not surprising fact about me, I LOVE the English language! Mrs. Haas, my 12th grade English teacher, was a gem. Fresh out of college, she taught my mother and, as she neared retirement, she taught me. She inspired my mom to study English in college and, later, to also teach the…
Melissa Stephens Art 