ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art ViaMelia Art

Discover the healing power of creativity through diverse mediums

Help Melissa and her son

In November 2017 I had to go into the hospital for a lumbar spinal fusion. The fusion surgery

was successful, helping to relieve my lower back pain.

During the last day of my hospital stay, a very hurried nurse administered medication through an

IV that was no longer placed correctly inside my vein, which caused a severe IV extravasation

injury. This one preventable moment changed my life forever.

Over 6 years have passed, over 25 surgeries and procedures, nerve pain daily, and so many

other countless losses. I had to have a nerve-blocking spinal stimulator placed to help stop the

nerves from sending signals to my brain that caused extreme pain in my hand, and feelings like

my skin was burning, sharp stabbing, and crushing pain all from the extensive nerve damage

from this IV injury. The permanent nerve damage called CRPS is known on the McGill Pain

Index as the most painful condition possible.

This injury not only causes extreme pain every day, but it caused me to lose part of my

dominant hand and two fingers. It has also caused me to lose my independence, my self-worth,

at times, and my ability to care and provide for my now 14-year-old son.

Who knew one IV could do that much damage?

As a result of all of this, I have been in a seven-year legal battle, which has depleted all of my

savings. Because of this battle, I have not been able to share my story in depth on social media

or on any other platforms until now.

I have never been one to ask for help, I have always been strong and independent, but this has

taken so much from me.

I am struggling to survive and take care of my son as a single mother, fully on disability because

of this injury and my savings depleted. I am now losing my home and must find a way to

continue on and provide a home for me and my son.

I have faith that everything will work out and know I must keep fighting every day.

Files coming soon.

About ViaMelia

My Journey

Born and raised in the heart of Mississip journey of self-discovery took an unexpected turn following a brain injury in 1999. Despite never formally studying art, Melissa found solace and expression through painting during her recovery. Using art as therapy, she began creating visually captivating pieces that resonated with others, leading to exhibitions and sales across Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee.

In her quest for a unique way to sign her paintings, Melissa coined the moniker ViaMelia. Derived from her name (minus SS) and the Latin word "via" meaning "by," ViaMelia became her signature, symbolizing her artistic journey.

Relocating to Palm Bay in 2015, Melissa transitioned to using custom finishes and designs on various surfaces, collaborating with contractors, businesses, and individuals. However, in 2017, a medical injury resulted in the loss of two fingers and part of her right hand, altering her ability to work as a custom finisher and painter. Melissa persisted through surgeries and years of adaptation, discovering new ways to continue her passion for painting.

Living with constant pain, Melissa sought alternatives and found solace in meditation at Chacana Spiritual Center. With the support of fellow artists and creative meditation, she explored alternative painting techniques, as well as coping skills. While embracing her need to create, and balancing the pain her hand caused, Melissa never stopped trying to find new ways to create. Her resilience and determination in this journey, can be seen in the current works of art.

Melissa's current work reflects a transformative process of love and healing even if its just dot by dot of paint. Through her art and story, she aims to inspire others to persevere and pursue what brings them happiness, never giving up in the face of adversity.

All work is available for purchase at Eau Gallery

For the first time since 2017, works of art will be on display at Eau Gallery. Located at 1429 Highland Ave in the historic Eau Gallie Art District.

Learn more

Donations

Asking for help can be one of the hardest things for me personally. Since the injury to my hand, I have been unable to work. I am permanently disabled and do all I can to provide for myself and my son. Creating art is my healing therapy. My hope is that my work will inspire others to never give up and find the joy even when faced with unrelenting pain and sorrow.

Maybe you are not interested in purchasing a piece of art but feel led to donate, please know any funds received will go directly to me and my son's daily needs. Know you are loved and greatly appreciated.

Help Melissa and her son

Turn your photo on canvas into ART

About ViaMelia

My Journey

All work is available for purchase at Eau Gallery

Donations

Contact Us

Contact Us

ViaMelia Art

Drop us a line!

Social

Welcome to ViaMelia Art Art Gallery!

Help Melissa and her son

Turn your photo on canvas into ART

About ViaMelia

My Journey

All work is available for purchase at Eau Gallery

Donations

Contact Us

Contact Us

ViaMelia Art

Drop us a line!

Social

Welcome to ViaMelia Art Art Gallery!

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