Open Studio with Melissa Doherty–April 29 & 30

My very good friend and fabulously talented painter, Melissa Doherty is opening her new studio to the public on Friday, April 29 and Saturday, April 30 from 10am-5pm – Studio 430B, The Tannery in Kitchener (use the entrance off Charles that is closest to Francis St).  This is a unique opportunity to see (and buy!) a collection of Melissa’s work for a very short time as it makes its way between shows in other cities.

Melissa’s work just blows my hair back and plugs right into me.  You just have to see it for yourself, in person.  Let me tell you about the first time I met Melissa and the painting that got away…

At an art show and sale in front of Kitchener City Hall, probably 15 years back, I fell in love with this small and most amazing painting Melissa had done of some maize.  I stepped away to the bank machine and in only 10 minutes the painting sold to someone else.  Melissa remembers that painting and I remember the lesson.

I got to know Melissa better through my brother, Dave White, who was Melissa’s neighbour.  I was delighted to discover that Melissa’s new studio, that she just moved into in January, is right beside our good friends Amy and Karl at CuteGecko and in the same hallway as our friends Kelly and Simoné at (think)form and the pre-acquisition TinyHippos.  Always something cooking on the 4th floor.

Melissa grew up in Kitchener, and as a full-time working artist, she is a great example of a world-class creative professional who has figured how to remain in and contribute to the creative ecosystem in KW.

Congratulations on your new studio, Melissa!  Looking forward to many visits and especially your open studio event later this month.

Happy making,

DW