Melanie Hickerson

Melanie Hickerson grew up in the oil patch in Texas and Oklahoma. Ms. Hickerson experienced a feeling of embarrassment for being female that is not uncommon. She was raised to be a “lady”. An asset or an assistant to someone who had a career. In addition, this idea of lesser value is also attached to the insects, animals and other life forms essential to Life on this planet.

In 1977 Ms. Hickerson went to Italy on a one-way ticket with her 4-year-old son on her lap to be an artist. As an illegal immigrant she had friends, made friends, sold artwork in the piazzas and got a thorough art education. She decided she needed credentials, to support herself and her son so Ms. Hickerson returned to her home state and entered the University. With an MFA from the University of Texas, she headed for NYC in 1985 where she participated in the NYC art scene, exhibiting and learning. In 1999 Ms. Hickerson returned to family in Austin. She taught art, exhibited, sold her artwork, and continued to participate in the art world.