Since Elyse was a child, she wanted to be an artist and particularly was inspired by her grandfather’s skills as a professional painter and violinist. However, her career began as a college English teacher. She grew up in metro-Detroit and later in the suburbs not far from Ann Arbor, MI. She moved in 2014 to New England for a PhD program and teaching position. After having her son, Luke, and going through some really hard times, she left college teaching and academia to explore new opportunities in education while also building up her side art business and taking her artwork more seriously. When she moved to the SouthCoast of MA in Spring 2023 and became a member of the Co-Creative Center in New Bedford, she began working more as a professional artist and art teacher. When she found a home for her and her son in Mattapoisett and community in New Bedford through the Co-Creative Center, her artwork began to reflect on the local seaside, harbors, and coastal spaces. As a single mom, Elyse has been searching for home for her and Luke, and finding it has become the biggest source of inspiration in her painting. Having peace, community, and good friends/chosen family in the SouthCoast for both her and Luke has given Elyse the space to build a career in the local community as a professional artist. Elyse works as a professional artist/educator out of the Co-Creative Center in downtown New Bedford, MA. Her mediums are acrylic and watercolor paint on canvas or paper.