Meet Meryl Clark | Gesso Arts Founder & Instructor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Meryl Clark and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Meryl, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?

I have always been passionate about the arts and how valuable they are in any community. I began working in community arts 14 years ago and have always dreamed of starting my own arts business. I served as Arts Manager with Cobb County PARKS Department and left in 2019 when our first child was born. As hard as it was to leave a job I truly loved, I wanted that precious time with my daughter. We have since had a second daughter and both love the arts.

While at home with my girls, I started doing lots of process based art projects and sensory play with them and sharing on social media. I would often hear from other parents about how much they loved what I was doing and I knew there was a need for a business like Gesso in the Smyrna area. 

Now my girls are 5 and 2 and last Fall it felt like the right time to start my own business. I decided to start teaching process based art classes in an after school program at St. Benedict’s Episcopal School and have received really great feedback. My goal is to expand my program (classes and art camps) to other schools, community centers, and I plan to launch the Gesso Arts Studio in Smyrna.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Although I hold a BFA in Studio Art, I have never really considered myself an artist. My passion for the arts has always been about providing opportunities for others to create. I get incredible satisfaction from seeing a child’s eyes light up when they make a new artistic discovery or when someone feels proud of what they created. My approach when offering arts programs is all about the process of art making and not so much about the outcome. I want the individual to experience new materials and art mediums that they maybe haven’t tried before. Gesso Arts was created so children in the Smyrna area can explore, get messy and have fun in the creative process.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My husband and I used to live in the Telephone Factory Lofts on the Beltline, so I would for sure take someone to that area for a day of fun! I love bouncing around Ponce City Market, grabbing a drink at Ladybird then making our way down to Krog Market. I also love taking a picnic lunch to Grant Park and lounging under the city of trees.

Some of our favorite meals in the city have been at Bovino After Dark, Lucian Books & Wine, Little Bear, Cooks & Soldiers and The Optimist. Favorite Atlanta staple is La Grotta. Best local coffee is Rev Coffee in Smyrna.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
So many people have encouraged, supported and believed in me over the years! When I was still a student at Auburn University earning my BFA, I had several people take a chance on me and the experience I gained during that time set me up for success in my career. I worked a handful of arts jobs while in Auburn and each one allowed my passion for community arts to thrive. A shoutout goes to the people at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center, Auburn City Kids, the Alabama Prison Arts and Education Project, Auburn City Schools and to the Auburn Arts Association. I also have to recognize my father, Frank Manfre, who is a professional career and business coach. His guidance and expertise helped me find a way to live my passion and for that I will be forever grateful.

Website: https://www.gessoarts.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gessoartsatl

Image Credits
Headshot of Meryl: Lucki Malloy Photography
Other photos: Meryl Clark