We’re looking forward to introducing you to Christy Ross. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Christy, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
Now, more than ever, I’m being called to invite people into the world of creating art rather than me just selling my art. My teaching abilities are surprisingly in demand more than I ever thought they would be. For example, at the Lemon Grove Library my Painting classes are always almost 100% filled with 28 people and there’s a wait list of 10. There is a huge desire for people to create, in community, with one another. Another location, Whiskers & Wine Bar, people get to learn how to paint in a comfortable atmosphere with cats!. While the two locations seem very different, their outcome is the same. My classes at Whiskers & Wine Bar are almost always 100% SOLD OUT. People want to create with other people, relax and leave with something beautiful to hang on their walls.
Back in 2008 I was a fourth grade teacher. I was meek and unsure of myself. I struggled with lesson planning and classroom management. I always questioned myself. In 2018, I started actually using my teaching credential in Art Education and taught kids K-8 art! Getting the opportunity to develop my teaching style, as an artist, was a game changer. Fast forward to 2022, was the beginning of my business: Christy Ross Art. During the pandemic I sold many canvas prints and packs of cards to friends and family. I even did commissions and sold original paintings. I created my own website (still using it) and sold art products for her first time. But also in 2022 I was asked to teach a painting class to my friend and her law student classmates. I borrowed my sister’s dining room and the rest is history. It was such a thrilling experience teaching adults how to paint. I knew it was just the beginning. Now I teach my Paint & Sip classes in up to five locations, consistently. I’m much more confident in my teaching style, managing people and guiding them on their art journey.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Christy Ross, art educator and artist whose superpower is sharing my joy for creating. By day, I teach art for two different schools: St. Didacus Parish School and Pacific Coast Academy. By night, I teach Paint & Sip classes for adults all over San Diego county. I also teach painting classes monthly at the Lemon Grove Library. I also really enjoy creating public works of art. Recently a utility box I was commissioned to paint over a year and a half ago by the Clairemont Town Council was badly vandalized. It hit me hard and I took it very personally. A retired contractor friend of mine and his two friends, helped me by sanding off the grime of crime and primed it to be painted. I posted the progress on a community Facebook group and people were so proud to see it being improved and fixed. One lady even volunteered to help me repaint it. Recently, I reached out to her and we started repainting it. The utility box is well on its way to recovery as today we finished repainting it. The vivid colors are back in the neighborhood! I am so grateful for Judy Sickler’s help. I knew it would be very emotional getting back down to the utility box, located on Ingulf just off of Morena, I believe in the strength of connection and community. Instead of letting the graffiti and tagging be a visual devastation, I decided, I couldn’t sit by and let it be. The Town Council has already reimbursed me for sanding and priming supplies and is in the process of possibly reimbursing me for my time repainting it. A friend donated funds for the acrylic paints. This is a community triumph in my book. What started as a violation for me, is finishing in a symbol of community pride and connection.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My art teacher from San Dieguito High School, Mimi Ralston, knew I was an artist. She encouraged me to apply to colleges with that in mind. I got into UCLA in both Art and Design majors. My dad encouraged me to go the Design route because I’d be more employable. Well, he wasn’t wrong. I worked for ten years in the movie industry as a color designer for black and white movies. Shortly after graduating UCLA, Mrs. Ralston, encouraged me to get my teaching credential in Art Education. So I did from CSULA. I’ve never looked back as I find myself teaching art to people of all ages in many places with the majority of my time. It’s truly a calling. I’m forever grateful for Mimi Ralston who truly saw me.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
While I was a sophomore at UCLA, I was sexually assaulted by someone, who at the time was my boyfriend. Months after the incident, I went to UCLA police and nothing was done. They treated ME like a criminal. Nothing was ever done to get justice for this crime committed against me. I did file a police report but I do wonder if there were other victims at the hand of this individual. I will never know.
Yes therapy is helpful. EMDR therapy has been helpful. But for me, teaching art to people is what is ultimately healing me. Getting to share the joy of creating and having control of our decisions, is priceless and makes me feel whole.
The deep, deep emptiness of being violated lingers, I would be lying if I said that my wounds are healed. I’ll be healing my entire life. But I have so much joy and no one can take that way from me now.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
My mom Veronica “Ronnie” Feehan is someone who I will always admire for her character. She passed away in July of 2024 and the loss of her is so deep. Her commitment to family, social justice and integrity will always be with me. She was a public school nurse and shared the belief that all people deserve care and respect. I try to live up to her beliefs everyday.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
Getting to paint and enjoy community is what people who probably miss the most. I think about my students at the Lemon Grove Library and how wonderful it is seeing familiar faces every month. After having taught there for over a year, I’ve gotten to know many of the participants and taught them so many different paintings. I bring and energy and joy to my classes each time. I hope to keep bringing it for a very long time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.christyross.art
- Instagram: christyrossart
- Facebook: Christy Ross Art
Image Credits
Nicole Sargent
Christy Ross
Maribel Diaz
Justin Ruffier
