Melanie Banayat is proud of her heritage, a mixture of Filipina, Pascua Yaqui Indian and Spanish. Her art – colorful, rich and sensuous studies of women – reflects that background. Melanie is a listener. Her paintings come to life from the stories of the many people she meets, mostly women.
“I paint because I want to be able to touch people’s lives in some way,” she said. “I find it to be a healing place for me, really.”

Melanie’s four children have also provided inspiration. She says their unconditional love has taught her how to paint from her heart. She painted Blue Boots (pictured) after seeing Latin American singer-songwriter, Lila Downs, performing in a pair of incredible blue footwear. Read the full story of Blue Boots on Melanie’s website, http://www.banayatfineart.com/. See new original work by Melanie at the Summer Art Festival, August 11th & 12th, on the Courthouse Square, and at Van Gogh’s Ear Gallery, 156 S. Montezuma Street .