Local artist, Mindy Lighthipe's Studio 16 Art Sale

Crossing paths with interesting homeowners is surely a fringe benefit of my profession as a real estate agent, and meeting local artist and Warren resident Mindy Lighthipe in the course of a transaction ranks high on the list of unexpected pleasures.

All these years I’ve lived in Warren and never knew of this local treasure—only to meet her as she packs her bags in preparation for a move to Florida to pursue a university-level teaching position.  There she will do what she loves most, create beautiful drawings and paintings of nature and teach others to do the same. 

But before she leaves us, she is holding a sale of her work during regular studio hours.

Mindy is a fine artist specializing in watercolor with botanical and natural science themes.  She draws from life as well as her own photography. Using a microscope, she dissects and studies plants and insect specimens—and the more she looks, the more she sees, and the more she conveys to her viewer.

Mindy opened her art school, Studio 16, in her Warren home at 16 Sterling Road in 2004.  The school offers quality art instruction in an intimate setting.  It has provided a forum for artists to meet, share, and work together in a supportive and nurturing environment. 

One of those artists is Warren resident, Gretchen Thomas, a student and fan of Mindy's for about 4 years. 

“Mindy is an  intuitive teacher and knows each student's strengths," Thoams said. "She uses this knowledge to encourage the best work from each of us.  I have learned much from her, both about making art and about the creative process.  Her studio is truly a treasure in Warren.”

Mindy’s work has been exhibited and well received locally, nationally and abroad.  Of note, Mindy’s paintings were exhibited at the Royal Horticultural Society in London, where she received a Silver Medal for her series titled "Symbiosis." The Royal Horticultural Society Jury Committee of 2009 noted “Mindy Lighthipe’s work is reminiscent of 18th century artists such as Catesby and Marie Sybilla Merian. Her insects are fantastic.”

Elisabeth Ginsberg wrote in Horticulture Magazine in 2007 that Mindy's work is “True to life. Mindy Lighthipe’s paintings celebrate every detail of petal, leaf and wing.” 

In April 2010, Mindy published "Mother Monarch," released by Schiffer Publishing. The book is written and illustrated with 23 beautiful watercolor illustrations by Mindy.  As open space and wildlife habitat shrink, this children’s story drives home the point that all life is interconnected and we need to leave plenty of room on the planet we share. 

Capturing the beautify of butterflies is a particular passion for Mindy, and the opportunity to focus on this aspect of her work inspired her move to Florida and her decision to accept the university position.

To learn more about Mindy Lighthipe and  her work, visit her website:  http://www.MindyLighthipe.com

The studio hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday (May 7), May 11 and May 14. If these times do not work for you, call Mindy at  908-769-7417 to arrange an appointment.