she was raised in a socio-economic family setting with self-taught folk artists.  She is 4th generation with a studio art practice in sculpture and intaglio printmaking since the age of 19.  Melissa  launched her first book  'in loving dedication' for Mothers and Daughters.  It's about a deeply woven fabric from her beautiful Mom, Barbara Strawser, self-taught folk painter of Pennsylvania Dutch (German) heritage.  To celebrate the 500th year of Martyrs' Mirror with illuminated manuscripts with folk art in a popular culture; this first book is a devotion to 5 generations of  'Women in Folk Art ' with historical, generational artistry and creative genius.