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connecting community. local love. inspiring design.

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hello.

Hi, it’s Melissa! You may also know me as @mvh_art around the social world and can find me sharing photography, travels, local love, creative projects, books I’m reading, and of course food.

I was born and raised in Rochester, NY, and even though I moved away for a few years, I've spent the majority of my life here. This is the city that has my heart and will always be my home. Rochester is the original boomtown in the USA, and I believe we are experiencing a new kind of boom in recent years that is exciting to see and be a part of!

This is the new hub for my creative endeavors, currently including my Etsy shop, local mural commissions, my Living Art “Wings of Hope” Project, articles, and additional art/photography work. My goal in everything I do is to connect community through art and spread messages of love, support, and hope.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you find some joy and inspiration here in my corner of the world!

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Find all my goods for sale on Etsy here:

the creative gallery

 
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graphic design

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artwork

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murals

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wings of hope project

Interested in hiring me for a mural job or art/design commission?
Begin the process here by filling out a request form.

CURRENTLY CLOSED FOR COMMISSIONS

 

photography

“The wild, unrestricted love of God is not simply an inspiring idea. When it imposes itself on mind and heart with the stark reality of truth, it determines why and at what time you get up in the morning, how you pass your evenings, how you spe
Do you struggle at all with insomnia? I was up most of the night last night. Worrying. Praying. Feeling sad and discouraged. Stressing about things that keep piling up, out of my control, while trying to take back control of my feelings and response
Sunbeams and seagulls. Yes, please. 🌅 #tybee #tybeeisland #sunrise #tybeeislandbeach #visittybee #naturephotography #vacation #travelphotography #georgia #rochesterphotographer #beach #eastcoastnomads #travel #roctotybee
Nothing feels the same as it did a year or two ago. Realizing some things aren’t ever going to be what I hoped they were. People keep changing. Things keep changing. …But. So am I. #tybee #tybeeisland #sunrise #tybeeislandbeach #visi
Life sure has a way of trying to pull you down. This week I’ve been dealing with fraud on our credit card, discouraging doctors appointments/results, some varying frustrations in life, and the general let-down of returning from a vacation. Bu
“Maybe if you had been different, you would have been what they wanted. But maybe if you have been what they wanted, you would have been different than who you were supposed to be.” -Morgan Harper Nichols #tybee #tybeeisland #travel #t
I’m so glad for the time we had away! It was refreshing to have a change of scenery and pace after being stuck for so long with cancelled plans and little hope for things to change over the past year and a half. What a gift to get to travel aga
The highlight of the trip for all of us was our final night when we took a family walk to the beach. The sky was really cloudy, so the sunset wasn’t that great. And the kids weren’t too excited about just “sitting there” on th
Already missing those early morning walks to catch the sunrise… #tybee #tybeeisland #palmtrees #tybeeislandbeach #visittybee #naturephotography #vacation #travelphotography #georgia #eastcoastnomads #sunrise #rochesterphotographer #beachvibes
Love a good “under the pier” shot. 👀 #tybee #tybeeisland #travel #tybeeislandbeach #visittybee #naturephotography #sunrise #atlanticocean #beach #pier #rochesterphotographer #eastcoastnomads #tybeepier #travelphotography #roctotybee
From sun up to sun down, I’m not sure we could have had a more magical final day here. I still can’t believe we got to see the dolphins again! I have so many more photos to share from this trip, so I hope you don’t mind savoring it
The classic, serene, Tybee Pier shot. Best time of day to go is early in the morning. 👌🏼 #tybee #tybeeisland #travel #tybeeislandbeach #visittybee #naturephotography #sunrise #atlanticocean #beach #pier #rochesterphotographer #eastcoastnomads #tyb

One of my hobbies and passions is taking photos to showcase the beauty and uniqueness of our city.
I also love to visit and explore new cities, parks, and locations and share the world I experience through my camera lens. I mostly share pics from around Rochester, but I also love to share places I visit when I get the chance! You can follow along and see more on Instagram at @mvh_art!

Currently, these are solely for your visual enjoyment and not for sale, but I hope they inspire you to pick up a camera, or write a story, or visit a new place, or paint a picture, or just love where you live even more.

features

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How to Promote Your Photography Business Faster

by Melissa VanHeukelum

 

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I Heart ROC


Interview

September 2020

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Download my coloring page for the Memorial Art Gallery!

FREE!

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In case you haven’t picked up your copy of @roccitynews for December, this issue has a fantastic local gift guide by @theamybutton and the Coffee Cups of Rochester print is featured! As Amy mentions, it pairs perfectly as a gift with some @newc
One more week, Flour City, to get your holiday orders in! I’ll be closing up the online shop after this weekend for Christmas break…so if there’s something you’ve been eyeing, don’t wait! I can’t guarantee a timel
The Keg Tree Lighting party is back this Friday! The most #Rochester way to celebrate the holidays. Will we see you there?! Grab a limited print to commemorate this special local tradition and enjoy it in your home all winter. 🍺 🎄 🎉 #roc #roche
🫶🏼We love you, Rochester, and we love these ROC beanies! For those of you shopping this weekend and want to shop local for the perfect gift everyone needs, look no further. ALL beanies on sale in the shop this weekend, plus a bunch of other discoun
🍻 It’s here!! The second print in the Beers of Rochester series is ready and available! Grab them for the holidays while I’m stocked up because these will go fast. Makes a perfect gift for a loved one….or yourself 😉. Available in
🚨 New to the shop: Bundle and Save! I have three different print combos now available with our most popular prints, all available in either 8x10 or 11x14 size. • Coffee Cups of Rochester #1 and #2 (Set of 2) •Beers of Rochester + Coffee C
I absolutely LOVE when you share pics of your Boomtown prints in their new homes! This Flour City artwork is chef’s kiss in Kate’s kitchen. 🤩 @katenkemper #roc #rochesterny #thisisroc #flourcity #rochesterartist #etsy #graphicdesign #g
☕️ Start the day right! Two new mugs with the fresh For Rochester design are now available in the shop! Both feature a double-sided design and are 10 oz. The glass one is a gorgeous addition to your home collection, and the travel mug with lid and st
“In a hypercritical, cynical world, one that is often known for what it is against, let’s be a group of people known for who and what we’re FOR. It’s a powerful strategy…but more importantly it is a revolutionary way to
Made a stop at our favorite donut shop this morning 😋! Swipe if you want to smell the sugar! ➡️ 💥 Reminder that today and tomorrow you can get a SWEET deal in my online shop!🍩 Use code ROCLOVE22 at checkout to get 14% off any orders over $10 and s
💥 A “Little” Announcement!! I am SO excited to share with you that Boomtown Creative will now be available in a Rochester-favorite artisan shop, @littlebuttoncraft in the bustling South Wedge! I am beyond thrilled to partner with this w
🚨 Brand NEW for 2022… Coffee Cups of Rochester 2.0!! ☕️ ☕️ The bestselling, original CC of Roc has been the fan favorite since it launched, which has been SO fun! It has sparked conversation and inspired people to check out new places, whic

 Keep up to date on the latest happenings on The Boomtown Creative Instagram Page