PRIVATE LESSONS
Children, teens and adults – learn a new skill in a private or group setting! Lessons in portfolio preparation, drawing, painting or craft-making can be fully-customized to your interests and skill level. I offer one-off lessons and recurring classes in person or on Zoom.
I’ve taught with ProjectArt, the Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami, the City of North Miami, The Bass Museum (S.T.E.A.M.), Broward County Libraries, The Frank Gallery and Arts Warehouse, as well as hundreds of private lessons and workshops.
I recommend using art supplies that are cruelty-free, recycled and environmentally-friendly.
Rates for private lessons are available upon request. Workshops and parties start at $225 per hour. Email theartfulactivist@gmail.com for a quote.
“Melanie is simply amazing. Not only is she incredibly talented, she has a wonderful ability to put her students at ease and guide them through independently creating diverse art works. She is also very organized and had lesson plans prepared for each session. Highly recommend!!”
– Parent of DASH & NWSA Applicant
“My child looked forward to each lesson with Melanie and learned new techniques with direction each time. I highly recommend her to anyone of any age, just for fun or to help create a portfolio for art or design school. Thanks Melanie for everything!
– Parent of DASH Applicant
WORKSHOPS
Punk Rock Pumpkins
ABOUT: Get wild and witchy with washable markers! Magical things will happen when water is added to paper.
SUPPLIES: Pencil & eraser, 3-4 small sheets of heavy drawing paper (6x6" or larger), washable markers, white acrylic paint & something to hold a small dab of paint, toothpick, small or medium brush, container of water & rag, OPTIONAL: cookie sheet to protect table
PURCHASE: This workshop is available as a private lesson, a party theme or as a video recording ($25). Email theartfulactivist@gmail.com to request.
Anime Animals
ABOUT: Learn to draw four anime-style animals! We'll review the origins of Japanese anime as well as colored pencil and inking techniques.
SUPPLIES: Pencil & eraser, 5 sheets of white paper, colored pencils OR pastels, black pen
PURCHASE: This workshop is available as a private lesson, a party theme or as a video recording ($25). Email theartfulactivist@gmail.com to request.
cRAzY CrOWnS
ABOUT: Construct a personalized crown while learning paper folding and curling techniques as well as how to make leaf and texture rubbings.
SUPPLIES: Recycled cardboard (like a cereal box, for the base of the crown) OR poster board, construction paper, printer paper, pastels, markers, scissors, stapler, tape, twist ties, leaves (& any other items with interesting textures), ribbons, string, buttons, stickers, etc. (any of these that you have)
PURCHASE: This workshop is available as a private lesson, a party theme or as a video recording ($25). Email theartfulactivist@gmail.com to request.
Genius Gems
ABOUT: A watercolor workshop for all ages where you’ll learn to draw and paint five gems and crystals.
SUPPLIES: Watercolors, palette, small & medium brushes, heavy drawing or watercolor paper, pencil & eraser, ruler, water, rag, cup or masking tape roll to trace, cookie sheet works well to protect table
PURCHASE: This workshop is available as a private lesson, a party theme or as a video recording ($25). Email theartfulactivist@gmail.com to request.
Mythical Mash-up Drawing Workshop
ABOUT: Combine mythical creature features step-by-step to create your own creature(s)!
SUPPLIES: Pencil & eraser, black pen (any kind), 3-5 sheets of white paper, OPTIONAL: colored pencils or crayons or markers
PURCHASE: This workshop is available as a private lesson, a party theme or as a video recording ($25). Email theartfulactivist@gmail.com to request.
Color Me Hopeful: A Creative Workshop to Lift Spirits
ABOUT: Nurture your mind with music from famed singer-songwriters Carrie Tillis and Marquise Fair, guided meditation from Dina Varano, MA, LMHD and creative self-expression with Melanie Oliva – learn watercolor techniques while painting phrases designed specifically for this Zoom workshop!
SUPPLIES: Access to a printer, wooden pencil, eraser, watercolor paper or heavy drawing paper, watercolor set (any kind), palette with wells or small containers, masking tape, soft brushes varying in size, rag, container of water, salt, charcoal or carbon paper (optional)
PURCHASE: This workshop is available as a video recording ($29). Email theartfulactivist@gmail.com to request.
Build-a-Monster
ABOUT: Construct a personalized mOnStEr in this drawing workshop, step-by-step!
SUPPLIES: Pencil & eraser, black pen (any kind), 3-5 sheets of white paper, colored pencils OR crayons
PURCHASE: This workshop is available as a private lesson, a party theme or as a video recording ($25). Email theartfulactivist@gmail.com to request.
AniME Art Workshop!
ABOUT: Kids will learn to draw themselves as anime characters (faces only)!
SUPPLIES: Pencil & eraser, 3-5 sheets of white paper, colored pencils OR pastels OR markers, mirror or photo of yourself to use as reference
PURCHASE: This workshop is available as a private lesson, a party theme or as a video recording ($25). Email theartfulactivist@gmail.com to request.
Watercolors Gone Wild!
ABOUT: Kids will create a composition inspired by a surprise wild animal! We’ll use common household items to achieve WILD results.
SUPPLIES: Cookie sheet or tray with rim, watercolor paper or heavy drawing paper (no posterboard), watercolor set (any type is OK), 2-3 brushes in different sizes (one around 1" wide if possible, or a sponge works if you don't have one that large), pencil & eraser, white crayon or oil pastel (or a birthday candle), plastic palette with wells, or 4-5 small containers*, 1 tsp. salt (any type) in a small container*, 1 Tbsp. cooking oil (any type) in a small container*, water in a container, to clean brush, rag or paper towel (*Empty yogurt or jello cups are good for containers!)
PURCHASE: This workshop is available as a private lesson or a party theme. Email theartfulactivist@gmail.com to request.