In the case of this month's feature artist, she worked in the art world for 30+ years before the idea for opening her first brick and mortar business hit her at the age of 52. This month's OWSAA Feature Artist is the Head Art Instructor and Owner of Calliope Street in the Oviedo Mall. Her name is Denise Manara.
Denise Manara
Prior to opening Calliope Street, Denise worked as a muralist for over 30 years. During that time, she painted murals for various businesses and in the homes of individual clients all over the state of Florida. As you will learn below, she has painted a mindboggling number of murals and has put that experience to great use here in our community. If you have been in the Oviedo Mall lately you may have noticed all of the new murals popping up inside. You can thank Denise for painting those wonderful creations as she was commissioned by the mall to paint them. As a surprise you might even find a chicken or two within the murals.
If you have never been to Calliope Street, you are missing out on a fun time! Located in the western wing of the Oviedo Mall, this treat of a shop offers you the opportunity to paint your own masterpieces; shop for unique, one-of-a-kind art pieces; and drink wines from around the globe. As their website says Calliope offers painting classes and private parties that are great for family fun, a date night, a girls' night out, baby showers, birthdays, and even team building events. Their classes include all the materials necessary to paint your work of art and are instructed step by step. Classes last around an hour and a half to two hours and when you are finished you get to take your painting home with you. For those of you that might be afraid to try a class because of your inexperience in painting don't worry because no experience is necessary to take a class and have a great time!
Denise was kind enough to answer some questions about herself and Calliope Street. I hope you enjoy what she had to say.
Who/what inspired your love of art? At what age did you become interested in art?
When I was 11 years old an aunt got me an art set, it was one of those with a book to color, pastels, and instructions. I completed the whole thing in one night, and it opened the doors to a whole new universe for me. I never stopped painting since.
Did you study art in high school/college?
During high school I just took the regular classes included in the curriculum; after graduating, I studied art in college. I have a degree in illustration from Parsons School of Design in New York.
Did you work in the art world prior to opening Calliope Street?
Yes! I have been a mural artist for 30 years. During that time, I completed about 6,000 murals of all different themes and settings. Some of the murals were for businesses and some others for homes; mainly in Florida, but sometimes I get commissioned to do work out of the state.
Then I have my personal projects: I love the Art Nouveau period and find inspiration in the soft curves and organic lines of that era; the main characters in my fine art pieces are skeletons having fun: dancing, playing music, and enjoying wine. As Tim Burton said, "the Dead know how to live"!
What inspired you to open Calliope Street?
I believe anyone can be an artist if given the chance, it is not only for a handful of "gifted" individuals. Art is in all of us. I wanted to bring art to kids, families, and to that person that never had the opportunity to experience it; that is what inspired me to open Calliope Street.
Is there a particular method you use to teach novices to paint in such a short period of time at Calliope? Is it more challenging to work with the novices or more experienced painters?
We have a method that takes you step by step, painting along with us, and you take the finished work home; no need to have any experience.
I would say it is harder to teach adults than kids. Kids have no preconceptions. They are free and their creativity is still untouched by norms. For adults, relaxing and letting go of their fear is a bit challenging (that is why we have wine for the adults!), but once they do, it flows, and they have a blast!
Can you explain what it has been like to start/own your own business? Do you have any advice for others considering starting their own arts business?
It has been both scary and fun. I started my first brick and mortar business at age 52. I have always been an independent artist but knew nothing of employees, taxes, payroll, and all that stuff. So, it has been very exciting but overwhelming as well.
My advice would be don't start a business doing something you are not passionate about. You need to have that engine driving you. If you love your trade, you will find motivation to keep going even in difficult times. With art in particular, there are many ways to make a living including festivals, teaching, and selling your pieces. Explore your strengths and build it from there.
What inspired you to start painting the murals in the mall?
I was commissioned by the mall. The murals are Josh Gunderson's (the mall's marketing manager) brainchild, and they are part of a larger project transforming the mall into an activity center and an adventure for families/people of all ages. So far, I have completed 10 murals in the mall, and there are 5 more to come!
Tell us about the process you go through when painting a new mural in the mall. How do you choose where the next one will go? How do you decide what to paint there? How long does one typically take to complete?
The murals are a team effort with Josh. First, we evaluate which spaces are available, the businesses around that particular area, lighting, traffic, etc. Then we explore possible themes, making sure to offer something for everyone.
The time it takes to complete a mural depends on its size and complexity. An intricate design takes longer. To give you an idea, the painting of The Dragon took about 21 hours (to which you have to add the design and planning part). They are all different, and all fun.
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