Smiling person with short brown hair and stylish leopard print glasses wears a black and white floral patterned shirt, standing in a colorful, art-filled room with a bright pink chair in the background.

About Melanie

Melanie Stimmell isn’t your run-of-the-mill fine artist; she’s a veritable dynamo, a creative force that has left an indelible mark on the art world. Her journey is a thrilling narrative of extraordinary achievements and accolades, each chapter more riveting than the last.

In 2021, Melanie soared into the spotlight as a top 10 finalist in Park West Gallery’s ‘Made in Vegas’ competition—a dream realized for many, but for her, it was just the opening act. Joining the esteemed Park West family marked the commencement of a fine art career that defies expectations. Her New Year’s Eve debut resulted in a sold-out show and record-breaking print sales, catapulting her into the echelons of artistic brilliance.

Melanie’s unique style, aptly coined as ‘Whimsical Surrealism,’ captures the essence of her vision. Her paintings serve as a harmonious blend between the divine feminine and nature, weaving together dreamlike narratives that celebrate the enchanting dance between women and the natural world.

Beyond the canvas, Stimmell is a polymath of creativity. As a gifted illustrator and surface pattern designer, she weaves her artistic magic into fabrics, wallpapers, and gift wraps. But her artistic prowess doesn’t stop there. Melanie is also the co-founder (with her Husband) of We Talk Chalk, a 3D street painting company that creates awe-inspiring works of art. Notably, she designed and painted the ceiling of the new Caesar’s Palace Grand Entrance in 2022, leaving an imprint of her creativity on an iconic Vegas landmark.

Melanie’s artistic journey has traversed diverse landscapes. Graduating from Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, she spent eight impactful years as a Technical Director on the iconic South Park Feature Film and TV show. Her love for street painting blossomed during this time, leading her to win Gold medals and 1st place awards in Europe’s most prestigious competitions. The titles of Maestra Madonnara (Master Street Painter) in Italy and Germany underscore her extraordinary talent.

As the Creative Director of We Talk Chalk, Melanie not only oversees every project but also curates 3D street painting exhibitions globally. From Thailand to Colombia, Israel, and throughout the U.S., her creative vision transcends borders. Her boundless creativity, technical finesse, and unwavering passion for art make her an inspiring figure for artists and enthusiasts alike.

Currently, Melanie traverses the globe with Park West Gallery, sharing her whimsical surrealist paintings with collectors worldwide. Yet, amidst the international whirlwind, her heart remains in her cozy Las Vegas studio, where the magic unfolds on canvas. Melanie resides with her husband Remco, son Luc, and a delightful menagerie of fur babies and potted plants.

Exhibitions

2024 Wit & Whimsy / Park West Gallery Soho, NY
2024
EmpowHER / Park West Gallery Soho, NY
2023
Park West Gallery Waikiki, Hawaii
2021
Park West Gallery Las Vegas, NV
2020
The Devil’s in the Details/ City of the World Gallery / Las Vegas, NV
2016
International Artwork  / Bogota, Colombia
2012
International Street Painting Exhibition / Ramat H’asharon, Israel
2011
Naughty Baby / The Happening Gallery / Marina Del Rey, CA
2011
Los Angeles / The Building Green Show / Los Angeles, CA
2010
Rebecca Molayam Gallery / Los Angleles, CA
2009
PAWS/LA Silent Auction / Deborah Martin Gallery, Los Angeles, CA
2008
Downtown Art Walk / Spring Arts Collective / Los Angeles, CA
2008
One Night Only / Brewery Art Complex / Los Angeles, CA
2007
Group Show / AC Lounge / Santa Monica, CA
2007
Multiple Personalities / Melrose Lightspace / Hollywood, CA 
2007
Boas, Dusters, and Other Household Seductions / West Gallery / Ca State Fullerton
2006
Variant / The 57 Underground / Pomona, CA
2006
Figure3 / Irvine Valley College
2004
Gallery di Madonnari / Madonnari Festival / San Rafael, CA
2004
Image/Identity (A Collaborative Show of Visual Artists and Writers) / Cal State Fullerton
2003
West Gallery Group Show / Curated by Tyler Stallings / Cal State Fullerton
2002
South Park/Comedy Central Fine Art Exhibition / Quixote Studios, West Hollywood, CA
2000 / 2001 / 2002
Bella Via Art Exhibit / Valencia, CA

Awards

2024 Bronze Medal, Incontro Nazionale Madonnari, Grazie di Curtatone, Italy
2021 Top 10 Finalist ‘Made in Las Vegas’  Competition, Park West Gallery, Caesar’s Palace.
2018 1st Place, 411 Chalk Art Competition, Las Vegas, Nevada
2010 Gold Medal, Incontro Nazionale Madonnari, Grazie di Curtatone, Italy
2010 1st Place, Dutch Open Championship, Valkenburg, Holland
2010 3rd Place, Peoples Choice Award, Valkenburg, Holland
2008 3rd Place, Dutch Open Championship, Valkenburg, Holland
2008 Peoples Choice Award, Les Craies d’Azur, Nice, France
2006 Bronze Medal, Madonnari Festival, Grazie di Curtatone, Italy
2004 1st Place, Strassenmaler Competition, Geldern, Germany
2003 1st Place, Strassenmaler Competition, Geldern, Germany
2003 Gold Medal, Madonnari Festival, Grazie di Curtatone, Italy
2002 Gold Medal, Madonnari Festival, Grazie di Curtatone, Italy