M.R.S. ART // The Select Works of Melissa Selmon

Born and raised in Grand Rapids, MI, Melissa received her B.A. in Art & Design in 2004 from Grand Valley State University. Melissa R. Selmon's artistic focus is the relationship between emotions and concepts. She likes to leave room for personal interpretation in her work. Most of her inspiration comes from personal experiences. Melissa's work reflects the journey of her life through the emotion she conveys in each piece. She works mostly in charcoal and mixed media because it adds an experimental element to her work. Her primary inspiration is Diane Wright, a local artist and former Art Instructor. Diane saw the creative talent that Melissa possessed at a young age and encouraged her to use her gift to glorify the Lord in any way possible. Another major influence is South African Artist William Kentridge. Melissa has presented in numerous exhibitions in the Grand Rapids region. In 2004, Melissa’s piece, “Landscape by Calder”, became part of the Grand Valley State University Art Collection in Grand Rapids, MI. Her piece, “Tickled,” was featured in the July 2007 edition of Art Business News. She was a featured artist in the August 2007 edition of the Grand Rapids Times. In 2008, “Reflection” and “What Does the Future Hold?” became part of the Grand Valley State University Art Collection in Allendale, MI. In addition, “Contemplations of a Queen” and “Tickled” became part of the Spectrum Health Hospital Art Collection in Grand Rapids, MI in 2008. Her piece “Sheer Bliss” was selected as part of the 2009 Celebration of the Arts Festival which represents one of the largest annual juried shows in the country. “Sheer Bliss” was also selected as part of the Grand Valley State University Women’s Center’s 8th Annual “Call for Art.” She was also a participating artist in the 1st Annual International Art Prize Competition in Grand Rapids, MI which represents the largest Art Prize in the world. Melissa is involved in the Haiku Middle Passage Commemorative Exhibit, a traveling artistic collaboration, inclusive of a poet, visual artists and composers. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, personal travel, Kickboxing and Basketball.

photo credit: Kasey VanderTol