Origin Story

Oregon Art on a Mission was born through pain, love.  and perseverance.

In 2015 I was in my final year at Southern Oregon University studying human communication and nonprofit management while being a single parent to my 2 sons. We were all trying to live carrying the weight and disconnect of trauma. Then it all fell apart and that's when art found me and I found my art.  I was suffering from uncontrollable despair and in my anguish I wondered if I would I ever be able to be there fully for my children or anyone else or be able to finish school and do something useful and meaningful with my life and I cried out in despair "I'm so weird I must be an artist but I cant draw!"  "Help me!" 

Two days later  I was walking  to the food pantry 5 blocks down the street I lived on. At block 3 on my walk I came across a small art fair (3 booths in a parking lot).  It was there where I met a wonderful person, The Artist Shay.  I fell in love with one of her paintings however I had no money to buy it, we spoke for a bit and then I went on my way to get food so I could make dinner. I couldn't stop thinking about her painting "Replenishing". She had given me her business card so I decided to call her and ask if she would consider a trade. She agreed, and added the stipulation that I must also come over and make art with her. She provided me with a variety of art supplies, permission, and encouragement, as well as techniques and tips. She offered these to me freely and with love.  Shay became my art teacher/mentor and friend.  Seven years later art is my life. Bringing art opportunities to others in this  welcoming joyful way is my mission.  

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