Biography
Melissa is co-founder and proprietor of Realist Art League, a visual arts studio in Philadelphia focused on teaching, critique, open studio sessions, and collaboration with artists. She is also a volunteer at One For All Artists in Coatesville, PA. Previously, she was a teacher at Crown of Creation, a Philadelphia arts organization. In the summer of 2024, Melissa attended the Mount Gretna School of Art in Mt. Gretna, PA. She has previously studied at Studio Incamminati, School for Contemporary Realist Art in Philadelphia, PA.
Artist Statement
Melissa Halbrook aims to capture the likeness of her subject matter in a way that not only exhibits a tangible sense of representation, but also the spirit or internal character of what she observes. She uses realism stylistically in an attempt to tell stories about people, to show not only their physical form but also their essence. Her work intends not only to “preserve” human beings in a particular time and place, but also to protect a lineage of practical methods that seem to be fast disappearing in our modern world. By nature, realism requires the knowledge and application of older techniques that form the foundation of visual storytelling. In that sense, Melissa also considers herself an anthropologist of method - learning everything she can about traditional materials and time-honored applications. She aims to create visually captivating works that form a satisfying blend of realism and contemporary sensibility.
Exhibitions & Fairs
2025 - Chrome, Box Spring Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
2025 - Real Friends, Globe Dye Works, Philadelphia, PA
2025 - Spring Awakening, The Jane Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
2025 - The Female Gaze, Off the Wall Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
2024 - 15th Annual Juried Figurative Art Exhibition, Lore Degenstein Gallery, Selinsgrove, PA
2024 - Rittenhouse Fine Art Fair, Philadelphia, PA
2024 - Mt. Gretna Outdoor Art Show, Mt. Gretna, PA
2024 - Mt. Gretna Student Show, Mt. Gretna, PA
2024 - Now, One With Everyone, IceBox Project Space, Philadelphia, PA
2024 - Group Showcase at the Union League, Philadelphia, PA
2024 - Studio Incamminati Student Show, Philadelphia, PA