Today we’d like to introduce you to Marisela Santiago-Portalatin.
Hi Marisela, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I have loved art since I can remember. It has been the getaway to a lot of obstacles in my life. I am a cancer survivor 3 times and directing my thoughts into different forms of art, from meditation, sculpture, painting, and pottery really helped me stay focused on keeping a positive attitude. I have been a Montessori teacher for 24 years and opened Bambini Montessori after having Thyroid cancer and at one of my worst times. When I was thinking about retaining from teaching my friend Debra said to me, “you can’t give up, open a Montessori school and we can do it together.” And so, we opened Bambini Montessori Academy in the Dr. Phillips area. After COVID we both were thinking what else can we do be that tuition was down and we had to close a lot of the classrooms. So, after an inspiration from my daughter Natalie, I thought let’s do an art school and possibly moving Bambini to Seminole County. Stroke Of Art is owned by Montessori teachers who have owned Bambini Montessori Academy for 12 years. Our studio thrives on the idea that art is not solely about the finished product but rather the process, and that everyone should be free to express their creative side while having a getaway to whatever obstacles they might be in countering. We also plan to offer a Montessori-based art program for ages 3-5. Art Through Montessori will be a programmed in our studio that will run half days, 3 days a week for parents that are looking for structured, fun learning environment where children can learn their academics through the arts.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I feel we have been blessed with things running pretty smooth and have received such a positive energy from everyone around us.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Stroke Of Art is a registered art studio located at 2354 Winter Woods Blvd. Suite2310, Winter Park, Florida. Stroke Of Art will be involved in painting, pottery, ceramics, and sculpture. We strive to have a studio where people can come in and relax enjoy the moment, and have fun. We are offering classes of Sculpture and Pottery for adults and children. We also hosting Birthday Parties, Working Senior Citizen Centers, Corporate leadership meetings, Fundraisers, Painting & Sip, all different painting events.
We will in the nearest future go into partnering with leading artists in the surrounding area and throughout the United States to auctioning off art, retailing art privately, retailing art and art gallery exhibitions, merchandise sales, and other products, and services.
What do you think about happiness?
What makes me happy is being in control of my happiness. To give thanks, to give to others, my family, my art. I realized that my happiness is not dependent on external things, but a choice I make in every day and every moment of my life. I practice being happy with my action, my thoughts, and my energy and to have a studio where people with all different situations can come in and feel the positive energy around them. Even when things are going badly, I can still be a happy peaceful person. These are things that set me free and makes me happy.
Pricing:
- Adult Pottery Wheel – Schedule your own 1.5-hour GROUP session for $40.00
- Clay Sculpture – Schedule your own 1.5-hour GROUP session for $40.00
- Painting – Schedule your own 1.5-hour GROUP session for $35.00
- Ceramics Painting – Schedule your own 1.5-hour GROUP session for $15.00 and Up
Contact Info:
- Website: www.stroke-of-art.com
- Instagram: @_strokeofart
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/strokeofartwinterpark/
- Yelp: https://yelp.to/kuYrfW85arb
- Other: www.picktime.com/StrokeOfArt
Image Credits
Stroke Of Art
