Melissa Cornett

Melissa Cornett was raised in East Brady, Pennsylvania, “with loving parents and one older brother,” and claims “a typical country upbringing for that part of the country.”

She grew up hunting and fishing (“yes, I was a tomboy”) on her family’s 18 acres and the neighboring farms all around. “The nearest grocery store or hospital was about 40 minutes away,” she says. “But I never thought of us as living out in the sticks until I moved away from home and learned that most people have less than a half an acre for a back yard.”

Since moving away from home at age 18, she has had several jobs, including being in the US Army for seven years (both active duty and reserves), a government contractor and in construction. She is also a mother and wife; “I have one beautiful daughter, Kimberly, who is 9-years-old and who is the world to me,” she says, “and a wonderful husband, Aaron, who never fails to amaze me or make me smile.”

About her art, she says: “I have always had a love for photography; I have always loved to take pictures to record my family, the special moments, whether they are a scenic outlook on vacation, having a birthday or graduation, or just a small moment of a child laughing.”

Now a regular member artist at CrossRoads Gallery, Melissa adds, “I never thought I would ever have my photos in a gallery until a few months ago. Now I hope to improve my photos, hone it into a craft and soon start drawing again. It's always a work in progress.”

Melissa Cornett will be a featured artist at CrossRoads in October, unveiling new works on First Friday, October 7, from 5 to 8 p.m. You’re invited to come by for the First Friday reception to meet Melissa and the other artists, see the new art and maybe share a glass of champagne. CrossRoads Gallery is located on the northeast corner of Green and Tehachapi Boulevard, at 101 East Tehachapi Boulevard.