Arrowhead

Melissa McKinney

Hi! My name is Melissa. I’m a transplant from Missouri, by way of Texas. I have been lucky to call Arizona my home now for 17 years! I have always enjoyed expressing myself through art and color. As it does with most from time to time, life kind of got in the way for a bit. I was re-introduced to my artistic side earlier this year when I visited a ceramic studio. At that time, I had no boundaries and was completely overwhelmed with work, school, and life and needed an outlet. Art then became my go-to for coping, and a healthy distraction to help calm my mind, nerves, and anxiety when I needed it.

Since then, I have graduated from ceramics to canvases as big a 4’ X 5’! I love covering a huge space with colors! The people in my life have been very supportive through it all and celebrate my art when I get up the nerve to share it. The positive feedback has helped with my confidence, and overall self-esteem.

I am currently completing an internship and will be graduating in less than 90 days with a Masters in Addiction Counseling. Having my own history and experiences with addiction, and recovery had led me to wanting to advocate and educate others on mental health, specifically substance use/abuse. My passions include being creative and helping others. I hope to soon be able to bring them together to show that creating artistic visual expression is a positive and healthy way to address and strengthen your mental health.  For info, text 480-246-0411