Those of who you frequented the Wallingford Farmers’ Market at Meridian Park during the summer may have seen the works of local artist Melinda Hannah, who specializes in architectural renderings. She has a gallery show coming up at the Good Shepherd Center on November 28th and invites the community to view her new artworks that focus on homes and buildings.
Melinda worked for the Seattle Times for eight years, before setting out to pursue her new direction as an artist. She has found our neighborhood to be a good fit and has established a strong link to the people, places, and the overall vibe of the neighborhood. In her own words:
Throughout 43 years I’ve lived in many significant neighborhoods throughout Seattle-land. But these past 5 years of living, working and walking in Wallingford have captured my imagination. It wasn’t immediately obvious but eventually became undeniable: the quaint charm of these homes. Also, the lovely people who live here have gradually revealed their warmth over time.
A big step forward was sitting and drawing in public at the Farmer’s Market this past summer. I met many neighbors that have become customers and friends. One of the most tedious aspects of professional art is the many hours spent in solitary isolation. Working outside has changed all that and here in Wallingford it has been really fun!
As our beautiful summer has become fall and as we head towards winter I have been going out of my way to meet our neighbors on my daily walks. People here have a true love of their homes and our neighborhood vibe. They are open to share in their pride. I can’t tell you how much joy I’ve experienced and how lucky I feel.
This is where my hunger to uplift people through art comes in: When I draw and paint a home I am seeking to capture what is most loved by the family who lives there (Mmany homes are multigenerational). Additionally, as older couples work to downsize, I hope to create an heirloom rendering of what they love most about their home that can travel with them or through future generations.
I have been drawing and painting homes throughout many years and I don’t know of another artist who brings this intention to this work. And after 30 years of practice, I finally have the skill to serve up what I hope is healing beauty in architectural renderings.
I will be showing 10 new Wallingford watercolors next week. I warmly invite you to come, enjoy and share with us!
