Our Instructors

Laurie Blue grew up in Ridgeway and has been drawing and painting since she was a little girl. Laurie attended Sheridan College for illustration and has been freelancing ever since. Laurie has also taught at Niagara Christian Collegiate for 20 years and holds the position as the Creative Arts Director there. She teaches grade 6 - 12 and enjoys helping them put together portfolios and encourages young artists to pursue the arts. 

Laurie also founded her Kidoodle arts class 12 years ago, teaching children from 6 to 12 years olds through The Fort Erie Arts Council. She loves to nurture creativity in her students see them grow as young artists. 

Laurie lives in Fort Erie with her husband, Jason and her two daughters Sydney and Marley. Laurie has been a part of the Fort Erie Arts Council since 2012 and wants to continue advocating for the arts. 

Maria Harrison-Edge is an acrylic, watercolour & ink artist, and a Fort Erie Arts Council (FEAC) Board Member.  

Maria began in 2005 to paint in watercolour, unfolding a talent and a spirited passion. She continues to develop her artistic skills by attending courses to enhance her techniques.  As a self-taught artist, she has developed an understanding of what works and doesn't when creating her artwork; it's from these lessons that she is able to teach and engage her art students to learn and find their creative niche.

Her work has been displayed in several exhibitions and there are many commissioned pieces that can be found in private collections throughout Canada.

Follow Maria on these social media platforms; Facebook, Instagram, Twitter 

@melpykeart

Jennifer McPherson is a Crystal Beach based artist who also operates as
@Cococarddesign Jennifer is a life-long artist. She is happiest when creating, making, drawing and painting. Since retirement, she has been able to devote more time & energy on self- education and expression through a variety of mediums. She has enjoyed many commissions, illustrating local homes and businesses, including Derby Square in Crystal Beach and Niagara College Canada. Over the last two years Jennifer has begun teaching a limited number of art classes and derives great enjoyment when witnessing the happiness of her students when creating.

Crystal Beach artist Melani Pyke has been painting and teaching for 30 years.

Her paintings are collected worldwide, and she has participated in juried exhibitions nationally and internationally. 

Follow Mel on these social media platforms; While her surrealist oil and acrylic paintings carry messages of hope and healing, Melani is also well known for window and wall murals across Fort Erie and beyond. With a wide base of knowledge and experience, Melani is eager to inspire beginners and experienced artists alike who are looking to try a class.

www.melpyke.com

Follow Mel on these social media platforms; Facebook, Instagram, Twitter 

@melpykeart

 Hazel Vacon Reinhart has enjoyed creating art since childhood. The retired Children's Services Coordinator has taught painting with seniors at Portal Village in Port Colborne and at Michaels. Over the years she has taken courses at the Haliburton School of Fine Art, Niagara College and  Brock University. Hazel paints primarily in acrylics, but also enjoys the transparency of watercolours. As an instructor her aim is to help those who take her course to explore their own creativity and discover the joy of painting. 

Hazel paints on a regular basis with two other local artists;  Janet Montgomery and Mary Friesen. Together they have established their website groupofthreefineart.com. 

Melissa Lococo has been an avid educator for over 20 years and loves to create all things ART.  She has taught art to children throughout the Niagara region along with creating and commissioning her own art.  Her creations focus on mixed media, string art, printmaking, design and photography. 

Melissa loves teaching children to experiment with the creative process and to follow their passions to nurture their soul.  

Follow Melissa on Instagram: @madewithloveandpassion2