Merlee first became interested in art, particularly ceramics, while traveling in Europe with my family. This was in 1970 while her husband, Bill, was on a sabbatical from his teaching position at theUniversity of Arkansas.They spent one year traveling with their three children throughout Europe, visiting museums and historical places.When home again, Merlee started studying ceramics with Don Curtis in the old ArtAnnex and has been involved with art in one way or another ever since. After working in ceramics for decades Merlee started painting in oils thinking she would do landscapes and still life. Then she discovered portraiture.“Painting has taught me to see in a way I hadn’t experienced before and painting portraits has given mean unexpected opportunity for intimacy with my subjects.“ - Merlee Harrison