Melissa Lanitis Gregory grew up in a creative family in the New York City area, drawing pictures inspired by Yellow Submarine, and horses. After graduating from the School of Visual Arts with a graphic design degree, she worked in Manhattan for a publishing company, and later escaped to California.

After years spent slaving for ad agencies, she was given a fabulous book on the art of papier mache, which she credits with saving her life, in a creative sense. She has been working ever since. Her papier mache throne won Best of Show at WNCC’s Recycled ARTicles show in 2003. Melissa created Bear Your Soul, a decorated fiberglass bear, for “Bears by the Lake” (a “Cow Parade” style event). She has shown locally in California and has work in various locations in the Tahoe/Reno area.

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