About
Melissa Perhamus is an acclaimed freelance artist, operating from her private studio nestled in the vibrant Lehigh Valley, PA. Her artistic repertoire predominantly comprises semi-surrealistic landscape paintings, drawings, and mixed media fine art. Through her creations, she delves into the intricate interplay between nature and the evocative realm of emotional memories. Melissa's work has garnered accolades, and she showcases her pieces consistently in solo and group exhibitions, captivating audiences both nationally and internationally.
Committed to the advocacy of the arts, Melissa actively fosters appreciation by imparting her knowledge to both adults and children through teaching classes. Additionally, she generously volunteers her time in schools and children's programs, while also contributing personal artworks to charitable causes.
Fuelled by a creative and inquisitive spirit, Melissa continually explores new techniques that draw upon her extensive training in the traditional foundations of art, encompassing drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, and sculpture. Her versatility extends beyond the realm of visual arts, as her inquisitive nature and insatiable curiosity empower her to become a resourceful and innovative problem solver in every aspect of life.
Melissa Perhamus is an acclaimed freelance artist, operating from her private studio nestled in the vibrant Lehigh Valley, PA. Her artistic repertoire predominantly comprises semi-surrealistic landscape paintings, drawings, and mixed media fine art. Through her creations, she delves into the intricate interplay between nature and the evocative realm of emotional memories. Melissa's work has garnered accolades, and she showcases her pieces consistently in solo and group exhibitions, captivating audiences both nationally and internationally.
Committed to the advocacy of the arts, Melissa actively fosters appreciation by imparting her knowledge to both adults and children through teaching classes. Additionally, she generously volunteers her time in schools and children's programs, while also contributing personal artworks to charitable causes.
Fuelled by a creative and inquisitive spirit, Melissa continually explores new techniques that draw upon her extensive training in the traditional foundations of art, encompassing drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, and sculpture. Her versatility extends beyond the realm of visual arts, as her inquisitive nature and insatiable curiosity empower her to become a resourceful and innovative problem solver in every aspect of life.
Along with my art and children,
camping, hiking, kayaking, cooking, volleyball, music and coffee help keep me grounded and feed my soul. |
Artist Statement
My current body of work revolves around the concept of 'imaginary landscapes of organic memory,' which I bring to life through an immersive and interactive artistic process. Each piece starts with a foundational drawing, acting as the structural framework from which a captivating dialogue ensues. Layer by layer, a rich landscape emerges as a result of deliberate choices, serendipitous chances, and instinctive reactions. This artistic journey mirrors our personal growth and development, with each layer symbolizing the accumulation of experiences that shape who we are. The inspiration behind these abstract memories lies within the depths of our emotional connections. Memories are seldom linear or tangible; instead, they intertwine like veins or roots. It is the profound emotional impact of our experiences that etches the strongest memories. For instance, the contemplation on a rock may evoke a similar sentiment to a conversation or another encounter. These seemingly distinct experiences become intertwined within us, creating intricate connections. By tapping into this reservoir of memories and exploring the catalog of experiences, I blend together imagery that resonates on an emotional level. Colors, lines, shapes, and various other elements intertwine to form landscapes that are emotionally familiar yet entirely imaginary. This process also grants me the freedom to wander and experience, unbound by a direct connection to reality. |
Press
Lehigh Valley Marketplace - Nov 2017
Article about my experience with ArtPop As I was working in my studio one afternoon, MICHAEL KUBEL from THE MORNING CALL stopped in and asked for an impromptu interview and photo shoot. I was completely unprepared! You, too, are free to stop in anytime. |
Feature Article - Style of Lehigh Valley, by Steve Piccione
"Melissa Perhamus’ connatural connection with the material world engenders art that entices the eyes and stirs the soul. Trees pop with peculiar hues and seductive shapes, both familiar and hauntingly elusive. Roots reach into a strange bed of soil beneath a vivid blue sky. The coordinates of rocks, water, land and air are ravishingly reconfigured into a wonderland one would love to be lost within. These visual delights expressed on wood, paper and canvas encourage the viewer to linger, prolonging the encounter with her flower buds, streams and astonishing arboreal articulations.
[...]
Perhamus’s exceptional drawings bring nature into a singularly surreal focus,...." read the rest of the article here
Radio Interview “Musings”, WDIY, NPR affiliate
Guest on "Sunrise" Channel 69 WFMZ, Allentown, PA
Artwork featured in “Pond Blooms Into Park”, AMEC, Inc
Feature Article, The Star Ledger, NJ
Feature Article, Sentinel, NJ
TV Interview, "Bonus", Storer Cable, NJ
Exhibitions and Notables
2019
PA Council on the Arts Artist in Resident at Panther Valley High School, Lansdale, PA
Seasonal Invitational Exhibits, Connexions Gallery, Easton, PA
2018
Seasonal Invitational Exhibits, Connexions Gallery, Easton, PA
Resident Artist Annual Exhibit, Banana Factory Art Center, Bethlehem, PA
2017
ArtPop StreetGallery Billboard Winner, Lehigh Valley, PA
Seasonal Invitational Exhibits, Connexions Gallery, Easton, PA
Resident Artist Annual Exhibit, Banana Factory Art Center, Bethlehem, PA
The ArtBox.Project 2017, Juried exhibition (3 pieces accepted), Basel, Switzerland
Resident Artist, Banana Factory, Bethlehem, PA
2016
"More", solo exhibit, Gallery 415, Catasaqua, PA
"Mergence", Solo exhibit, Dutot Museum and Gallery, Delaware Water Gap, PA
2-person Show, Lebanon Picture Frame & Fine Art Gallery, Lebanon, PA
"Where You Land", 2-person exhibit, JCC Gallery, Allentown, PA
Slow Art Day, International Art Experience Event, 3 separate participating locations: Easton, Bethlehem, and Fountain Hill, PA
Seasonal Group Exhibits (by invitation), Connexions Gallery, Easton, PA
Resident Artist Annual Exhibit, Banana Factory Art Center, Bethlehem, PA
"Getting Grace", artwork used on set for film directed and produced by Danny Roebuck
2015
"Perspectives", Nurture Nature Center, Easton, PA
Connexions Gallery, Seasonal Invitational Shows, Easton, PA
Resident Artist, Banana Factory, Bethlehem, PA
Teaching Artist, Art Establishment, Fountain Hill, PA
Slow Art Day, International Art Experience Event, Nurture Nature Center, Easton, PA
“A Bunch Of Bananas”, group invitational show, Connexions Gallery, Easton, PA
Group Exhibit, BrewWorks, Allentown, PA
2014
Visiting Artist, Banana Factory, Bethlehem, PA
ACE Fall Juried Show, State Theater, Easton, PA
Connexions Gallery, Invitational Seasonal Group Shows, Easton, PA
"Perspectives" - group show, Nurture Nature Center, Easton, PA
"Upcycled Masterpieces" - Quadrant Gallery C (Book Mart) - juried group show, Easton, PA
2013
Visiting Artist - Banana Factory, Bethlehem, PA
Seasonal Group Show (by invitation), Connexions Gallery, Easton, PA
ACE Member Show - State Theater Gallery, Easton, PA
“Duets” - Group Show, Allentown, PA
“Sketch to the Piece” Invitational Group Show, ArtWorks, Allentown, PA
New Bridge Summer Group Show - Moravian College, Bethlehem, PA
ACE Spring Juried Group Show - Sigal Museum, Easton, PA
2012
Solo Exhibit - Civic Theater514, Allentown, PA
Winter Invitational Group Show - Connexions Gallery, Easton, PA
Solo Exhibit - Eagle’s Nest Gallery, Nazareth, PA
Just Around the Corner, Easton, PA
“Art For Everyone”, Art Auction - Lehigh Valley Arts Council, Allentown, PA
“Exploring Our Sustainable Future Through Humor, Fantasy, Wit & Wisdom” Juried Group Show - Nurture Nature Center, Easton, PA
Heritage Day, Easton, PA
ACE Small Works Exhibition - LaDuca Gallery, Easton, PA
2011-2010
“Art for Everyone”, Featured artist, Lehigh Valley Arts Council, Allentown, PA
The Good Earth: Flora & Fauna, juried exhibition, Boght Art Center, Cohoes, NY
Solo Exhibit, Lehigh Valley Arts Council, Allentown, PA
ACE Medium Works Juried Show, State Theater, Easton, PA
Invitational Group Show, Abbey Hill Gallery; College Hill, Easton, PA
“Butterflys Outside of the Box”, Juried Exhibition, ClayWorks, Easton, PA
2009 - 1997
2-Person Show; Boght Art Center, Cohoes, NY
“Women of ACE–The Green Movement” ACE Juried Group Show, Connexions Gallery, Easton
Lehigh Art Alliance Annual Fall Juried Exhibition, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA
ACE Juried Group Exhibition, State Theater, Easton, PA
Double Dutch Antiques, Red Bank, NJ
Annual Juried Group Show, Red Bank, NJ
Solo Show, South Brunswick Library, NJ
Solo Show, Circle Playhouse, Piscataway, NJ
Avy Awards “Best Set” Nomination for All My Sons, NJ
Annual Juried Group Show, Gibson Gallery, Potsdam, NY
NY State Olympics of the Visual Arts, 2nd Place Award
Juried Group Exhibition, The College of St Rose, Albany, NY
“Works on Paper II” Juried Group Show, Purchase Award Hyde Collection, Glens Falls, NY
2019
PA Council on the Arts Artist in Resident at Panther Valley High School, Lansdale, PA
Seasonal Invitational Exhibits, Connexions Gallery, Easton, PA
2018
Seasonal Invitational Exhibits, Connexions Gallery, Easton, PA
Resident Artist Annual Exhibit, Banana Factory Art Center, Bethlehem, PA
2017
ArtPop StreetGallery Billboard Winner, Lehigh Valley, PA
Seasonal Invitational Exhibits, Connexions Gallery, Easton, PA
Resident Artist Annual Exhibit, Banana Factory Art Center, Bethlehem, PA
The ArtBox.Project 2017, Juried exhibition (3 pieces accepted), Basel, Switzerland
Resident Artist, Banana Factory, Bethlehem, PA
2016
"More", solo exhibit, Gallery 415, Catasaqua, PA
"Mergence", Solo exhibit, Dutot Museum and Gallery, Delaware Water Gap, PA
2-person Show, Lebanon Picture Frame & Fine Art Gallery, Lebanon, PA
"Where You Land", 2-person exhibit, JCC Gallery, Allentown, PA
Slow Art Day, International Art Experience Event, 3 separate participating locations: Easton, Bethlehem, and Fountain Hill, PA
Seasonal Group Exhibits (by invitation), Connexions Gallery, Easton, PA
Resident Artist Annual Exhibit, Banana Factory Art Center, Bethlehem, PA
"Getting Grace", artwork used on set for film directed and produced by Danny Roebuck
2015
"Perspectives", Nurture Nature Center, Easton, PA
Connexions Gallery, Seasonal Invitational Shows, Easton, PA
Resident Artist, Banana Factory, Bethlehem, PA
Teaching Artist, Art Establishment, Fountain Hill, PA
Slow Art Day, International Art Experience Event, Nurture Nature Center, Easton, PA
“A Bunch Of Bananas”, group invitational show, Connexions Gallery, Easton, PA
Group Exhibit, BrewWorks, Allentown, PA
2014
Visiting Artist, Banana Factory, Bethlehem, PA
ACE Fall Juried Show, State Theater, Easton, PA
Connexions Gallery, Invitational Seasonal Group Shows, Easton, PA
"Perspectives" - group show, Nurture Nature Center, Easton, PA
"Upcycled Masterpieces" - Quadrant Gallery C (Book Mart) - juried group show, Easton, PA
2013
Visiting Artist - Banana Factory, Bethlehem, PA
Seasonal Group Show (by invitation), Connexions Gallery, Easton, PA
ACE Member Show - State Theater Gallery, Easton, PA
“Duets” - Group Show, Allentown, PA
“Sketch to the Piece” Invitational Group Show, ArtWorks, Allentown, PA
New Bridge Summer Group Show - Moravian College, Bethlehem, PA
ACE Spring Juried Group Show - Sigal Museum, Easton, PA
2012
Solo Exhibit - Civic Theater514, Allentown, PA
Winter Invitational Group Show - Connexions Gallery, Easton, PA
Solo Exhibit - Eagle’s Nest Gallery, Nazareth, PA
Just Around the Corner, Easton, PA
“Art For Everyone”, Art Auction - Lehigh Valley Arts Council, Allentown, PA
“Exploring Our Sustainable Future Through Humor, Fantasy, Wit & Wisdom” Juried Group Show - Nurture Nature Center, Easton, PA
Heritage Day, Easton, PA
ACE Small Works Exhibition - LaDuca Gallery, Easton, PA
2011-2010
“Art for Everyone”, Featured artist, Lehigh Valley Arts Council, Allentown, PA
The Good Earth: Flora & Fauna, juried exhibition, Boght Art Center, Cohoes, NY
Solo Exhibit, Lehigh Valley Arts Council, Allentown, PA
ACE Medium Works Juried Show, State Theater, Easton, PA
Invitational Group Show, Abbey Hill Gallery; College Hill, Easton, PA
“Butterflys Outside of the Box”, Juried Exhibition, ClayWorks, Easton, PA
2009 - 1997
2-Person Show; Boght Art Center, Cohoes, NY
“Women of ACE–The Green Movement” ACE Juried Group Show, Connexions Gallery, Easton
Lehigh Art Alliance Annual Fall Juried Exhibition, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA
ACE Juried Group Exhibition, State Theater, Easton, PA
Double Dutch Antiques, Red Bank, NJ
Annual Juried Group Show, Red Bank, NJ
Solo Show, South Brunswick Library, NJ
Solo Show, Circle Playhouse, Piscataway, NJ
Avy Awards “Best Set” Nomination for All My Sons, NJ
Annual Juried Group Show, Gibson Gallery, Potsdam, NY
NY State Olympics of the Visual Arts, 2nd Place Award
Juried Group Exhibition, The College of St Rose, Albany, NY
“Works on Paper II” Juried Group Show, Purchase Award Hyde Collection, Glens Falls, NY