Minnetonka Community Education

Vanessa Merry moved to Florence, Italy at the age of eighteen to study the methods of the great masters in painting, drawing, and printmaking at Palazzo Spinelli. From here she continued her education and exploration of the human-figure, still-lifes, and landscapes at Atelier de Chimere in France were she enjoyed Plein-Air painting in the French countryside. She moved back to the United States were she attended and graduated from the University of Minnesota in Visual Arts and Art History.

She has been actively involve in the Twin Cities art scene for many years. Vanessa Merry has won several awards for her paintings in local galleries. She was the President of the Robbin Gallery in Robbinsdale, Minnesota and is currently on the staff of WARM (Women's Art Resources of MN).

Vanessa currently enjoys creating works of art in many different styles, but finds herself happiest when she is in the classroom teaching others all the skills that she has acquired in her studies. 

What our students say:

"The instructor did an excellent job of making it fun and engaging. My daughter had a blast and cannot wait to do another class! MCEC also did a good job with the health precautions to ensure we could be safe without it changing the experience."

"It was such a fun class! My creation is ugly but the fun was in the process, so I don't care what it looks like. Wish there were more classes like this!"

"... (Ms. Merry) was one of the best teachers I have ever had for an art related community ed class! Super organized and a great teacher, encouraged and welcomed everyone, never rushed anyone yet got everything in, just perfect!!! "

"the course and the teacher were excellent. Three hours went by incredibly fast!"

"Merry was wonderful, she understood the rhythm and challenges of teaching kids. She allowed the kids to be creative. No pressure."

Marie Raley is florist and master gardener in Minnetonka and the owner and lead designer for Sammen Design, formerly known as Laine Moire Floral. It fills her with immense joy to blend her passion for the natural world with her skills as a designer and gardener. She is grateful for the opportunity to share her knowledge and infuse the community with the same enthusiasm for bringing nature's beauty into all aspects of our lives and homes.