My lifelong dream was to spend my retirement living a creative life. I had no idea what was in store for me. I retired from a long career in transportation logistics in the midst of the pandemic, moving to Orillia from Toronto. In Spring 2021 I visited KC’s Upscale Garage Sale and became fast friends with the owner Kim Henry, who invited me to show and sell my little bits of art in her lovely gift shop. That was the Spark I needed to go forward.
Then I met Raune-Lea Marshall, who would become my bestfriend, art partner and mentor. That little spark started a fire! Since then Marshall & Melillo became the artistic duo MarshMellow and together we have shown our art in many local galleries, produced our own art shows, inviting other artists to join us. I have been the team lead for exhibits hung in the Orillia Opera House, taugh a 8 week kid’s art class at Creative Nomad, participated in the ODAC Art Mentor program, Starry Night Art Festival and have filled Era 67 Restaurant (Orillia) with our art. Recently have been invited to curate the new gallery space in the Muskoka Discovery Center and joined the board of directors of the new North Simcoe Arts. I can’t wait to see what’s next… I know it will be fun. Please visit my FB page to see more of my Art – Melo Orillia Art.
