PRIVATE LESSONS
Children, teens and adults – learn a new skill in a private or group setting! Lessons in portfolio preparation, drawing, painting or craft-making can be fully-customized to your interests and skill level. I offer one-off lessons and recurring classes in person or on Zoom.
I’ve taught with ProjectArt, the Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami, the City of North Miami, The Bass Museum (S.T.E.A.M.+), Broward County Libraries, The Frank Gallery, Oolite Arts, Arts Warehouse, the City of Pembroke Pines and more, as well as hundreds of private lessons and workshops.
I recommend using art supplies that are cruelty-free, recycled and environmentally-friendly.
Rates for private lessons are available upon request. Workshops and parties start at $225 per hour. Email theartfulactivist@gmail.com for a quote.
“Melanie is simply amazing. Not only is she incredibly talented, she has a wonderful ability to put her students at ease and guide them through independently creating diverse art works. She is also very organized and had lesson plans prepared for each session. Highly recommend!!”
– Parent of DASH & NWSA Applicant
“My child looked forward to each lesson with Melanie and learned new techniques with direction each time. I highly recommend her to anyone of any age, just for fun or to help create a portfolio for art or design school. Thanks Melanie for everything!”
– Parent of DASH Applicant
“Thank you so much for everything. Art lessons were the best part of my week. I’m so happy I got in!”
– DASH Applicant
2026 summer studio series
Create with teaching artist Melanie Oliva at her Biscayne Park home! Ages 11+. 10% OFF TUESDAYS if you register for 3 or more workshops! CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
Mini Me Stuffy
WHEN: Tuesday, June 9, 9am-12pm
ABOUT: Construct a plush miniature YOU out of soft fabric – in the style of a cartoon character – to clip to a backpack or key chain! Practice sewing and painting skills in the process. All supplies provided.
AGES: 11+ (6-10 spots)*
*Workshop will be canceled and refunded if minimum registration number is not met.
FEE: $55
Mixed Media After-images
WHEN: Saturday, June 13, 10am-12pm
ABOUT: Combine watercolors and soft pastels for dreamy effects! You’ll create a monochromatic “after-image” – the image you see under your eyelids after staring at something bright. We’ll cover watercolor techniques and mark-making when adding soft pastels to the mix. Bring a landscape reference photo (printout or on phone) with lots of light or take one during class. All other supplies provided.
AGES: 11+ (5-12 spots)*
*Workshop will be canceled and refunded if minimum registration number is not met.
FEE: $55
Awful Alien Art
WHEN: Tuesday, June 16, 10am-12pm
ABOUT: Learn design principles with the sole purpose of not using them! In this pressure-free workshop, we’ll design the ugliest alien reliefs imaginable using cardboard, foil, modeling medium and acrylic paint, defying as many “rules” as possible. All supplies provided.
AGES: 11+ (5-10 spots)*
*Workshop will be canceled and refunded if minimum registration number is not met.
FEE: $45
Cool Caps
WHEN: Tuesday, June 23, 9am-12pm
ABOUT: Design your own baseball cap using fabric spray paint, fabric paint and embroidery! All supplies provided.
AGES: 11+ (5-10 spots)*
*Workshop will be canceled and refunded if minimum registration number is not met.
FEE: $55
Miniature Monets
WHEN: Tuesday, June 30, 9am-12pm
ABOUT: Learn acrylic painting techniques while using composition tips, color theory and design principles to create a tiny series of impressionistic paintings on wood! All supplies provided.
AGES: 11+ (5-10 spots)*
*Workshop will be canceled and refunded if minimum registration number is not met.
FEE: $55
Music as the Muse
WHEN: Saturday, July 11, 10am-12pm
ABOUT: Relax while creating a guided abstract work of art with layered mixed media, inspired by the music you’re listening to! This workshop is sensorial experience that focuses on process and materials. Part of the class will include live music by professional flautist Cathi Marro. All supplies provided.
AGES: 11+ (6-12 spots)*
*Workshop will be canceled and refunded if minimum registration number is not met.
FEE: $55
Camera + Composition
WHEN: Tuesday, July 14, 10am-12pm
ABOUT: Learn photo composition tips and tricks, as well as basic photography skills! We’ll also experiment with cyanotypes inspired by nature and thermal photography prints. Bring a fully-charged camera phone or digital camera. All other supplies provided.
AGES: 11+ (5-10 spots)*
*Workshop will be canceled and refunded if minimum registration number is not met.
FEE: $45
Bags to Dye For
WHEN: Tuesday, July 21, 9am-12pm
ABOUT: Tie dye a canvas tote bag and construct a patch to attach – using fabric, embroidery floss and paint! All supplies provided.
AGES: 11+ (5-10 spots)*
*Workshop will be canceled and refunded if minimum registration number is not met.
FEE: $55
Figure Formation
WHEN: Saturday, July 25, 10am-12pm
ABOUT: Learn to draw the human form with charcoal! We’ll warm up with quick, gestural line drawings and will also complete a more detailed, shaded still figure drawing of a live (clothed) model. All supplies provided.
AGES: 11+ (6-10 spots)*
*Workshop will be canceled and refunded if minimum registration number is not met.
FEE: $65
Furry Figures
WHEN: Tuesday, July 28, 10am-12pm
ABOUT: Create a silhouette portrait of a furry family member or animal using paper, cardboard and paint! Hone your drawing, design and cutting skills! Bring a reference photo taken from a side view, or choose an animal photo at the workshop. All other supplies provided.
AGES: 11+ (6-10 spots)*
*Workshop will be canceled and refunded if minimum registration number is not met.
FEE: $45
Unserious Selfies
WHEN: Tuesday, August 4, 10am-12pm
ABOUT: Learn to draw your self-portrait with a twist! Several fun warmups will help anxious artists feel comfortable. You’ll draw a self-portrait (no serious expressions allowed) using charcoal and brushes with water to achieve a loose, effortless style. All supplies provided.
AGES: 11+ (5-10 spots)*
*Workshop will be canceled and refunded if minimum registration number is not met.
FEE: $45
PAST WORKSHOPS
Get Creative for College!
ABOUT: Presentation and Portfolio Review to help Miami teens apply to art colleges
PAST WORKSHOPS available as recordings
Punk Rock Pumpkins
ABOUT: Get wild and witchy with washable markers! Magical things will happen when water is added to paper.
SUPPLIES: Pencil & eraser, 3-4 small sheets of heavy drawing paper (6x6" or larger), washable markers, white acrylic paint & something to hold a small dab of paint, toothpick, small or medium brush, container of water & rag, OPTIONAL: cookie sheet to protect table
PURCHASE: This workshop is available as a private lesson, a party theme or as a video recording ($25). Email theartfulactivist@gmail.com to request.
Anime Animals
ABOUT: Learn to draw four anime-style animals! We'll review the origins of Japanese anime as well as colored pencil and inking techniques.
SUPPLIES: Pencil & eraser, 5 sheets of white paper, colored pencils OR pastels, black pen
PURCHASE: This workshop is available as a private lesson, a party theme or as a video recording ($25). Email theartfulactivist@gmail.com to request.
cRAzY CrOWnS
ABOUT: Construct a personalized crown while learning paper folding and curling techniques as well as how to make leaf and texture rubbings.
SUPPLIES: Recycled cardboard (like a cereal box, for the base of the crown) OR poster board, construction paper, printer paper, pastels, markers, scissors, stapler, tape, twist ties, leaves (& any other items with interesting textures), ribbons, string, buttons, stickers, etc. (any of these that you have)
PURCHASE: This workshop is available as a private lesson, a party theme or as a video recording ($25). Email theartfulactivist@gmail.com to request.
Genius Gems
ABOUT: A watercolor workshop for all ages where you’ll learn to draw and paint five gems and crystals.
SUPPLIES: Watercolors, palette, small & medium brushes, heavy drawing or watercolor paper, pencil & eraser, ruler, water, rag, cup or masking tape roll to trace, cookie sheet works well to protect table
PURCHASE: This workshop is available as a private lesson, a party theme or as a video recording ($25). Email theartfulactivist@gmail.com to request.
Mythical Mash-up Drawing Workshop
ABOUT: Combine mythical creature features step-by-step to create your own creature(s)!
SUPPLIES: Pencil & eraser, black pen (any kind), 3-5 sheets of white paper, OPTIONAL: colored pencils or crayons or markers
PURCHASE: This workshop is available as a private lesson, a party theme or as a video recording ($25). Email theartfulactivist@gmail.com to request.
Color Me Hopeful: A Creative Workshop to Lift Spirits
ABOUT: Nurture your mind with music from famed singer-songwriters Carrie Tillis and Marquise Fair, guided meditation from Dina Varano, MA, LMHD and creative self-expression with Melanie Oliva – learn watercolor techniques while painting phrases designed specifically for this Zoom workshop!
SUPPLIES: Access to a printer, wooden pencil, eraser, watercolor paper or heavy drawing paper, watercolor set (any kind), palette with wells or small containers, masking tape, soft brushes varying in size, rag, container of water, salt, charcoal or carbon paper (optional)
PURCHASE: This workshop is available as a video recording ($29). Email theartfulactivist@gmail.com to request.
Build-a-Monster
ABOUT: Construct a personalized mOnStEr in this drawing workshop, step-by-step!
SUPPLIES: Pencil & eraser, black pen (any kind), 3-5 sheets of white paper, colored pencils OR crayons
PURCHASE: This workshop is available as a private lesson, a party theme or as a video recording ($25). Email theartfulactivist@gmail.com to request.
AniME Art Workshop!
ABOUT: Kids will learn to draw themselves as anime characters (faces only)!
SUPPLIES: Pencil & eraser, 3-5 sheets of white paper, colored pencils OR pastels OR markers, mirror or photo of yourself to use as reference
PURCHASE: This workshop is available as a private lesson, a party theme or as a video recording ($25). Email theartfulactivist@gmail.com to request.
Watercolors Gone Wild!
ABOUT: Kids will create a composition inspired by a surprise wild animal! We’ll use common household items to achieve WILD results.
SUPPLIES: Cookie sheet or tray with rim, watercolor paper or heavy drawing paper (no posterboard), watercolor set (any type is OK), 2-3 brushes in different sizes (one around 1" wide if possible, or a sponge works if you don't have one that large), pencil & eraser, white crayon or oil pastel (or a birthday candle), plastic palette with wells, or 4-5 small containers*, 1 tsp. salt (any type) in a small container*, 1 Tbsp. cooking oil (any type) in a small container*, water in a container, to clean brush, rag or paper towel (*Empty yogurt or jello cups are good for containers!)
PURCHASE: This workshop is available as a private lesson or a party theme. Email theartfulactivist@gmail.com to request.