“Clean up your mess Missy”
…is what I heard all the time growing up! My birth name was Melissa, but my nickname Missy took over with many people in my life….”Messy Missy” with a certain significant person in my life. When I was a little girl I was asked “What do you wanna be when you grow up?” and I replied an “Art teacher and Horse trainer.” Every girl’s dream to have a horse….I never got one. In fact, I think I’ve only been on a horse 4-5 times ever! Now, the Art teacher part became a reality. I love to get my hands dirty! I taught middle & high school, but I have volunteered with elementary Arts also. I do not teach any more, however I do enjoy creating my own art very much so! I’m trying to be more focused in areas now. My maiden name was Braddy and is signed on a few early pieces shown.
I grew up watching my dad create all kinds of “stuff” in his shop….all kinds of furniture, string instruments,etc. He even built boats in his younger years. If I had a problem with a project, “Where’s dad”? He’d always help. I think this is where I get the knack to want to create “stuff”! My mom encouraged me as well in art, but growing up I think it was a secret goal of hers to get the “tom boy” out of me and pretty me up, get me more “pink & girlie”! I did not like pink when I was little, and banned it from my wardrobe as a teen. When I reached my mid 30’s I thought I was being a little ridiculous and started to wear pink again…no pastels….BRIGHT PINK! My husband Matt encourages “most” of my art projects also….but he says I am going to blow up the house with chemicals or a torch one day! He doesn’t like me with a torch & agrees with mom to get “girlie” from time to time. Since photography is used for his work and a hobby, I’ve been his model on occasion….and I must admit it is nice to be flattered by your spouse… all of us women know!
A few Art Accomplishments!
Jr. Women’s Club Art Scholarship – Elizabeth City, NC
Bachelor of Fine Arts – University of NC – Greensboro NC
District – First Year Teacher of the Year Award – Pasquotank Co., NC
Brushstrokes Volunteer (elementary art program) – 8 years, Greensboro & Summerfield, NC
Jeweler & Sales – 5.5 years – Jewel Box/Carlyle & Co – Elizabeth City & Greensboro, NC