Melanie Stackhouse is a graduate of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) where is received a merit scholarship, majoring in painting with a minor in sculpture. In 2011, she won the Stewardson Sculpture Competition, and her winning sculpture was acquired by PAFA. Melanie’s work can also be found in numerous private collections.

In 2016-17, Melanie served as President of the Burlington County Art Guild in New Jersey, organizing art shows and workshops, and participating in them. During this time, she was also awarded a solo exhibition at the Warden’s Gallery of the Burlington County Jail Museum as and emerging artist.

Melanie’s mentor and friend, Ed Behm, brought painting into her life in 1993. In addition, to her PAFA training, Melanie has honed her skills at the Perkins Center for the Arts In Moorestown, NJ; Barn Studio of Art in Millville, NJ; The Hudson River Valley Artist Workshops in Greenville, NY with instructors John MacDonald, Alain Picard and Anatoly Dverin; Desert Isle, ME with Christine Lafuente; Isle of Arran, Scotland with Jill Rupinski; Casa de los Artistes in Boca de Tomatlan, Mexico with John MacDonald; and at PAFA with John MacDonald and also the Norwegian artist, Odd Nerdrum.

Melanie loves to paint portraits, landscapes and still lifes but it is the portrait, human or animal, that most captivates her imagination. In her portrait work, she strives to capture the essence of her subject, playing with light and shadow to inform their features. In her landscape work, Melanie enjoys the challenge of depicting the ephemeral quality of light.

Melanie was born in Poland and immigrated with her family to America at the age of six. She grew up in Yonkers, NY and graduated from Binghamton University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Melanie is the founder of Orchard Friends School in Riverton, NJ for children with language-based learning differences. She donates proceeds from the sale of her art to the School.