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DENTON - Joanne Gelles of Denton is a mixed media artist who enjoys sharing her love of art with others.
From leading sip and paint nights, to making wreaths, wind chimes, fairy houses, jewelry and more, she offers a wide repertoire of creative experiences where members of the public can try their hands. She also teaches tie dyeing and liquid ink painting.
“I love teaching classes, helping people let loose and be creative,” Gelles said. “I love being a part of that process.”
Classes are often hosted at area restaurants and farms; they’ve been held at the library. Private parties are available. And Gelles regularly offers classes at The Foundry, the Caroline County Council of the Arts’ gallery at 401 Market St., Denton.
“The Foundry is a hidden gem,” Gelles said, noting the works of some 30 local artists are on display there. “The Arts Council is an important part of the community.”
One of Gelles’ larger works, a mosaic, adorns an outside wall at The Foundry. She also created the dolphins mosaic at Denton Elementary. She is currently working on a privately commissioned mosaic piece.
In addition to teaching classes, Gelles finds passion in face painting.
“I really love doing that, birthday parties, events. Kids are just joyful. Everybody gets excited,” she said. “I like to give them a nice experience.”
Gelles has done face painting and caricature drawings at Summerfest in Denton, the Peach Festival in Sudlersville, the Holistic Fall Festival in Preston, the Hippie Fest in Trappe, and Mactoberfest in Denton, among other popular events, including some in nearby Delaware.
Gelles moved to Denton from the Silver Spring area in 1990. She wanted to be a writer and photographer, and she did a stent working as a reporter for the Queen Anne’s County Record-Observer in Centreville.
When she isn’t busy with her art, Gelles enjoys swimming, yoga, bike riding, and watching movies.
“I would love to do more traveling,” she said.
In creating her own art, Gelles works mostly from her apartment, but a sampling of her work can be viewed and purchased at The Foundry.
She also designed a banner for the 2025 Main Street Banner Auction, which will take place Nov. 14 at the Wharves of Choptank Visitor and Heritage Center. Gelles’ hand-painted work features an octopus this year.
For more information about Gelles or upcoming classes, check out her Facebook pages: Joanne Gelles and Fromthehipfacepainting&more.
