I always loved Art. Growing up in a military family we moved constantly, almost every three to four years, yet we frequently returned to the Virginia, Washington, DC, and Maryland metro area.

Most weekends my parents made it a habit to travel to the Smithsonian Museums.  While my dad greatly favored the National Museum of American History, particularly to see the Steam Engine Locomotives.  I easily grew very restless and convinced my parents to let me wander off to the Hirshhorn Museum.  Once I was in the Hirshhorn, I felt so completely liberated! I loved exploring the Abstract Paintings and Sculptures, this was where I belonged.  My heart was connected and my mind completely captivated as I careened the vast works of Art. Time stood still and this was my true home and a living sanctuary.

After convincing my parents that I would always find a reasonable way to support myself and the significance of my passion to create Art, I was very fortunate to focus and immerse myself in the BFA painting program at the Maryland Institute, College of Art.

Later after graduating from the Maryland Institute of College of Art (MICA), while going back to visit the various Art Museums and Galleries in Washington, DC, I would occasionally contact one of my MICA Art Mentors.  Fittingly and purposefully, we would meet by a Morris Louis painting on the basement floor of the Hirshhorn Museum. 

I am incredibly fortunate to have associated with several other Artists in Baltimore and to share studio space. Sometimes the “shared studio space” would end up being a drum set of the “All Mighty Senators” and I would need to crawl over the drum set to get to my paintings. Other studio spaces were more serious and even had the luxury of heating during the Winter. I am grateful for all my humbled beginnings.

Also, in my early computer related career, I had the very fortunate opportunity of working as a Data Control Specialist for the Admissions office at the Maryland Institute College of Art.  This offered me opportunities to collaborate with other working Artists. Later, as my family responsibilities grew, I continued my education and career endeavors a Database Administrator.  While the systems engineering pathway was at first just a mechanism to remain gainfully employed.  I quickly discovered that all my rigorous Art training would become critical in discovering and persevering during difficult recovery efforts of system crashes. Art provides the strong foundation and tools of resiliency, to face moments of crisis, and to bring restoration. Art empowers all possibilities.

Today, I firmly believe that for a successful life you need to explore all opportunities that come your way.  Now that I have completed my required work professional duties as assigned, I am once again free to revisit and recommit fully to my Art. Life is in the journey and no pathway is the wrong path, if ultimately the path leads you home to your heart.

Gratefully Forever Creating,

Melanie Whelan