Gesso Arts was founded by Meryl Manfre Clark with the intention of bringing process based arts education to the Smyrna community and surrounding area.
Who We Are
Meryl holds a BFA in Studio Art from Auburn University and has managed community arts centers for over 15 years. She has led and facilitated classes, camps, workshops, exhibits, parties and special events. Her love for the creative process has been a guiding force over the years and she is thrilled to be teaching art to young artists and those young at heart!
Meryl has two daughters, Elia (6 years) and Olive (3 years), who attend St. Benedict’s. Meryl enjoys coming up with fun and engaging art projects, cooking, yoga and spending time with family.
Ms. Virginia is our amazing Program Assistant. She can be found teaching classes, camps and workshops with Meryl. She also assists Gesso Arts with our planning, special events and class preparations. She is a former educator and is Nana to Elia and Olive. As one of our students described her “Ms. Virginia is as sweet as pie”!