Melanie’s mission is a thing of beauty. She thrives on bringing Renaissance beauty and Baroque flair to life through her 3-D street painting and fine art. As the only woman to receive the title of ‘maestro madonnari’ (master street painter) in two countries (Italy and Germany), Melanie has an appreciation for Renaissance artistry and a commitment to promote the unique art of 3-D street painting. Since 16th century Italy, street painting has thrilled and inspired audiences. Street painting has always been used as a marketing tool and method of fundraising. The earliest known street painters would create images of the Madonna and Child on streets outside Italy’s cathedrals and churches. The painters used their soft pastels on the streets of Italy to create beauty and raise money to cover their basic needs. Now in the 21st century, Melanie has taken the practice and purpose of street painting to a whole new level. Melanie creates Renaissance art for organizations and corporations to help them with fundraising or corporate promotion.

Who Is Melanie Stimmell Van Latum?

• Born and raised in LA
• Earned her BFA in illustration at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, CA
• Earned a Masters in Drawing and Painting from Cal State Fullerton
• Lead Technical Director for the feature film ‘South Park’…Bigger, Longer, and Uncut’
• Worked on the popular television show ‘South Park’ for seven years
• 1998 – Discovered a love of 3D street painting in her downtime
• Attended international street painting festivals and events as the feature artist
• Developed a client base for street painting in Turkey, France, Holland, Canada, and throughout US
• Signature Member of the Pastel Society of America and Pastel Society of the West Coast
• Gold medals* – list of awards – only woman to receive the title of ‘maestro madonnari’ (Italy & Germany)
• 2010 – Featured Artist in Continental’s In-Flight Magazine
• 2008 – Founded the Street Painting Society – international community for street painters and fans
• 2008 – Created a tutorial Photoshop Painting DVD & street painting DVD with Planet Street Painting
• 2009 – Directed a reproduction of the Sistine Chapel Ceiling on the streets of London, Canada.
• Founded the Street Painting Academy to teach children about this time-honored tradition
• Displayed her work at prominent Southern California Galleries
• Gained recognition for her uncanny ability to portray classical, feminine imagery and perfect skin tones
• Introduced ‘Live Streaming’** with her projects – video, web, photography
• Works with a network of artists and professionals – artists, videographers, web designers, photographers,..
• Loyal supporter of various non-profit organizations