Missy Carstens

Missy Carstens

Missy is a freelance fine artist specializing in Impressionistic oil paintings that depict the light, color, and beauty of a diverse range of subject matter, using a palette knife technique that results in a unique, colorful style. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business from California State University, Bakersfield, but is a self-taught artist. She is also the current Vice President, and past President of the Little Egypt Arts Association, and has taught art classes to both children and adults since 1990. Her artwork is in various public and private collections, including the collections of John A. Logan College, Marion Carnegie Library, and the Marion Veterans Hospital.

Missy is a wife, mother of 3, and grandmother of 2 boys. She gardens on 2 acres in Southern Illinois, with a special interest in square foot and sustainable gardening. At the age of 42, with very little musical experience, she started violin lessons and is now the principal second violinist in the local college community orchestra. Missy has also played in many weddings, receptions, fundraisers and other special occasions as a member of Carstens Strings, a family string trio.

In her spare time, she enjoys reading inspirational romance novels.
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Displaying Results 1 - 21 (of 21) for All Content
  • A Guide to Music Performance Programs for Children
    If you're looking for a guide to music performance opportunities for children, here it is! In this age of budget cuts to the arts, there are still communities and venues that value music, and offer wonderful programs for young people.
  • Spring, 2011 Art Events in Marion, Illinois
    A summary of spring art happenings and events in Marion, Illinois
  • Music Programs for Children- Part 1
    A college student recital is a great way to introduce you child to the world of music. They're usually free, and many times you can see the musician up close and personal. And if refreshments are provided, that makes the recital all the more fun!
  • Ramen Noodles- a Frugal Family's Best Friend!
    I LOVE to cook with ramen noodles! They are so versatile, inexpensive, yummy, and easy to use. Try some of my helpful ramen noodle cooking hints today!
  • Choosing a Music Teacher for Your Child-Part I
    My family has had experience with many music teachers. Some inspired us to reach our goals, while one or two made us want to quit playing altogether! Doing your homework may help you find a great music teacher.
  • Choosing a Music Teacher for Your Child-Part II
    Our family has had teachers that inspired us to reach our musical goals, and others that made us want to quit after the first encounter. Doing some homework can help prevent some of the mistakes we made.
  • Fall Arts Events in Marion, Illinois
    Downtown Marion, Illinois, is full of opportunities for arts lovers. Art, music, theater, Marion has it all. Come and visit us!
  • Fall Craft and Photography Classes in Marion, Illinois
    The Little Egypt Arts Centre in downtown Marion, Illinois offers a wide variety of classes for students of varying ages and artistic abilities. Come and join us!
  • Fall Art Classes in Marion, Illinois
    The Little Egypt Arts Centre in Marion, Illinois offers a wide variety of art classes. Take a class, discover your inner artist, and learn something new!
  • The Cost of Raising a Musically Gifted Child-Part II
    Most people only think about the expenses of music lessons and instruments when they have a musically talented child. There are many more hidden expenses to be taken into consideration.
  • The Cost of Raising a Musically Gifted Child- Part I
    There are many obvious and hidden costs when you have a child with musical talent. I will discuss some of those expenses, plus talk about all the wonderful benefits!
  • An Impressionist Artist's Garden Through the Year
    My garden serves as inspiration for my Impressionist paintings all year round. From spring flowers to secluded winter nooks, the garden is a feast for the senses.
  • Fall Wedding Venues in Southern Illinois
    I've been to many awesome fall wedding venues in Southern Illinois. Here's a guide to some of my favorites.
  • Summer Wedding Stories, Mishaps and Bloopers
    As a musician, I've been a part of many marriage ceremonies, and therefore have quite a collection of summer wedding stories. Here are just a few of the funnier things that have happened over the years.
  • My Favorite Color
    I LOVE purple! People are always saying that I use lots of purple in my Impressionist paintings. Lavender, salvia, and verbena are just a few of the purple flowers in my garden.
  • An Impressionist Artist's Garden in June
    My garden serves an inspiration for my Impressionist paintings. Here's a slide show of some of the flowers that are in bloom in June.
  • Playing a Musical Instrument in Middle Age- a Beginner's Guide
    Many people are intimidated when they think about taking up a musical instrument as a middle aged beginner. I'm living proof that it can be done, and that the process can be quite enjoyable!
  • Frugal Ways to Improve Garden Soil
    Since I don't spend big bucks buying soil amendments at the local garden center, I have more money to spend on plants. Here are some ways I improve my soil for free or very little cost.
  • Growing and Cooking Swiss Chard
    I LOVE Swiss Chard! It's beautiful, versatile, yummy, and fun to grow. It may not the most popular plant in the garden, but it's certainly one of my favorites!
  • The 2010 Southern Illinois Music Festival
    The 2010 Southern Illinois Music Festival is a treat for arts lovers of all ages! SIFest is 21 days of opera, ballet, movies, classical and jazz music in traditional and unique venues throughout Southern Illinois and Southeast Missouri.
  • Pot Collecting
    Gardening can be an expensive endeavor, but there are many ways to cut costs. Pots and other containers can be found in many different places. Here are some tips for amassing a collection of pots for your plants.

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