Today we’d like to introduce you to Margie Forestier.
Hi Margie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Art has always been a big part of my life. It kept me company when things weren’t going well. As a child, I loved stapling paper together to make little books and illustrating stories like *Cinderella”; however, my versions of the book, the princess was her own hero.
It all started when a babysitter tried to teach me to draw “real” people instead of the stick figures I was making at four years old. I was amazed at what a few simple lines could create.
From there, I loved painting in preschool, and in middle school, I drew castles, princesses, and dragons. In high school, you could always find me in the art department working on a project, and it was no surprise that I majored in Fine Arts and Illustration in college.
One day in college, I noticed a flyer calling for students to mentor youth in the Housing Projects. Thinking it would look good on my resume, I signed up—little did I know that this population would shape the next 30 years of my life and artwork.
When the semester ended, the program director invited me to continue through the summer to do summer activities with all ages in the housing project.
After the housing project, I was asked to teach art at the Boys’ Club, and then I led a program called Studio2B for the Girl Scouts. I was asked to start an art program for at-risk teen girls at NAFI, and served as a victim advocate at a domestic violence shelter, where I also led art activities for children. My husband and I ran our own painting business, *A Stroke of Brilliance Painting*, creating murals and painting homes. Even when I stepped away from working directly with children who had experienced abuse or neglect, I found ways to stay connected, launching my own face painting company, *Funtastical Faces,” in Connecticut.
Due to economic circumstances, my family and I moved back to Florida, where my husband and I became house parents to seven teenage boys—first in Orlando, and later in Palm Beach Gardens, where we cared for six girls.
In Orlando, I took a leap of faith and signed up for the Crane’s Roost Art Festival, where I met incredible people who connected with and supported my artwork, encouraging me to share it more widely. With their encouragement, I began selling small canvases at Gallery on the Edge, then Shaker’s Restaurant in College Park, thanks to Terry and Greg Granada, who were the owners at the time, and soon gained the confidence to sell both prints and originals. The Fringe Festival also became another wonderful place of support and inspiration for my art because I was able to create larger original pieces.
My heart desires to use my art to encourage and uplift others, especially those who have been through trauma and need that little extra reminder of hope. Through my whimsical characters and inspiring imagery, I hope my work motivates others to overcome obstacles and pursue their own dreams, capturing perseverance, hope, and possibility in every piece.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road hasn’t always been easy, but the detours—like working with at-risk youth and families—really helped me discover why I create art. I’ve faced setbacks, moved across states, and taken some big risks with my art, all while juggling family, finances, and figuring out how to make my art meaningful and sustainable. Jumping into things like festivals, gallery shows, and starting businesses meant trusting myself even when I wasn’t sure what would happen.
Through it all, these challenges have shaped me, made me stronger, and deepened my empathy. They’ve also fueled my passion to make art that inspires hope, resilience, and perseverance—turning life’s obstacles into opportunities for growth and creativity.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m an artist who specializes in creating whimsical, uplifting artwork that inspires hope, perseverance, and resilience. I work in both original paintings and prints, often featuring characters and imagery that reflect overcoming obstacles and chasing dreams. My art is deeply influenced by my experiences working with at-risk youth and families and personal adversities, and I aim to share that heart and empathy in every piece I create.
I’m most proud of using my art as a tool for encouragement—whether it’s giving my work to children I’ve mentored, survivors of trauma, or people who just need a little inspiration in their day. I am mostly proud that through my own experiences, my husband and I’ve worked to break old cycles and build something better for the next generation.
What sets me apart is that my art comes from lived experience and personal hardships, combining creativity with a real desire to uplift and motivate others. I don’t just create images—I create messages of hope, perseverance, and possibility that people can connect with emotionally.
Any big plans?
Right now, I am working on creating a YouTube channel called “Draw it Out Studios.” A calming space where viewers can slow down, disconnect from the noise, and find a moment of peace. We will use art as a gentle tool for coping and reflection. With simple short prompts and zero pressure, viewers are guided to be present, take small breaks, and use creativity to find calm and clarity—no art skills required.
I am also finishing up a guided art journal, called “Healing with Frida,” a 10-day art journal inspired by pain, power, and creative expression.
In the future, I hope to inspire people not only through my artwork but also by offering short, simple guided art journal prompts that bring encouragement and hope.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://margieartstudio.wixsite.com/home
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/margiesart
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3525976997696156&type=3
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Drawitoutstudios
