Artist: Melissa Menzer & Nancy Lemen Welling

On display at the Hudson Library

Melissa Menzer started her art career in 1991 sculpting Santas, creating folk-art assemblages and paintings. She loves to scour flea markets and secondhand stores for items that make her sculpted pieces one of a kind. “Recycling antiques for the bodies of my assemblages gives me a way to honor an era when items were not just disposable but were well made with care and craftsmanship.” After being discovered by a Georgia folk-art gallery, Melissa began selling her artwork there.

Nancy Lemen Welling has been a resident of Hudson, Florida for nearly 50 years. Her artwork is featured in local Hudson area businesses, and often depicts the area, Anclote Island and anything nautical. She paints with acrylics and uses unique frames to add a distinct charm to finished pieces. Nancy’s real pleasure in painting is showing others how incredible the Hudson area is.

Artist: Derek Roberts

On display at the New River Library

Derek Roberts is the award-winning watercolor illustrator of the Brudders Books series and a California-born nature lover who loves painting imaginative worlds for kids. Derek struggled with reading growing up, and because of that, he has a unique ability to connect with children through visual storytelling. He is passionate about helping kids learn how to comprehend words and build their confidence in reading. Derek’s career started in graphic design before transitioning into storyboarding, animation, and ultimately illustration. He hopes his illustrations will inspire children’s minds to go into creative, happy places like picture books do for him. Derek holds a bachelor’s degree in Animation from Laguna College of Art & Design.

Derek lives in Land O’ Lakes, Florida with his author wife, Kristin, where they enjoy hiking, biking and learning through nature. You can contact Derek at derek@bruddersbooks.com or follow them on social media at @bruddersbooks.

Artist: Ashley Urban

On display at the South Holiday Library

Ashley Urban is a well-known artist in Tarpon Springs, who does not let anything stand in the way of her dreams. Ashley has presented her work at the West Pasco Art Guild, Dunedin Fine Art Center, and Paint the Town Citrus in Carrollwood. Among her many talents, Ashley is a skilled painter and marvelous harp player. Ashley’s interest in art and music developed after being diagnosed with high functioning autism. Her creative skills have enabled her to work professionally as an artist.

Artist: Fred K. Marchman Technical College

On display at the Starkey Ranch TLC

At Fred K. Marchman Technical College, students in the Commercial Art program are prepared for employment as artists, graphic designers, and other related professionals. Students learn various disciplines, including photography, graphic design, and computer skills. They create everything from posters and logos to vehicle graphics and digital signage. This program strengthens higher-order reasoning and problem-solving skills, work attitudes, general employability skills, technical and occupation-specific skills and knowledge of all aspects of the Arts, A/V Technology and Communication career cluster. Students practice on projects using state-of-the-art technology and computer programs that are required in the industry. They often practice using work-based activities from the community to prepare them for a career in art and design. Upon graduation, students are equipped to enter the workforce or pursue higher education.

Learn more by visiting their program’s website: https://mtec.pasco.k12.fl.us/commercial-art-technology/