'Take Two': Artist uses creative expression as a path to healing

Life has not been kind to artist Melissa Williams. In 1999, she suffered brain injury and in 2017, a medical injury from an IV extravasation resulted in the loss of two fingers and part of her right hand.

“After this injury, I was unable to work and left trying to figure out how to do everything with half of my right hand,” she noted.

The medical issues have not dissuaded the Palm Bay resident from creating. In fact, it has challenged her to find both the solace and strength to rise above the debilitating pain she encounters daily.

Williams will be the showcase artist in May at Eau Gallery , 1429 Highland Ave., Melbourne. Williams’ show, “Take Two,” officially opens with a reception from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Friday, May 3, and runs through the end of the month.

The artist’s journey towards healing has led her into a bright and colorful path. “Take Two” is a Florida-inspired collection that embodies the power of healing through creative expression.

She signs her works “ViaMelia,” a moniker derived from her name, minus the double “ss” and the Latin word “via,” or “by.”

Born and raised in Mississippi, the artist relocated to Palm Bay in 2015. In the style of French impressionist Georges Seurat, Williams often depends on dots of paint to tell a story. Her work is proof that joy can rise from adversity.

For more information, visit eaugallery.com or call 321-253-5553.

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This article originally appeared on Florida Today: 'Take Two': Artist uses creative expression as a path to healing