ARTIST INTRO

Melissa Murphy Desrochers was born and raised in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada. She graduated from the University of New Brunswick with a Bachelor of Arts Degree and then began a career in the Healthcare Industry. After enjoying her years of travel as a Professional Pharmaceutical Sales Representative, she eventually chose to stay at home to raise her family. It was at this time that Melissa and her young family moved to Goose Bay, Labrador and she soon discovered a passion in Lapidary and Jewelry Art.

While in Labrador, Melissa sought the advice of an amazing Inuit Labradorite Carver, John Goudie, as well as being apprenticed by Monty Lewis of Fredericton. Today, Melissa resides back in Fredericton, NB where she studyied Jewellery Metal Arts at the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design, for the 2 years, under the guidance of some of Brigitte Clavette and Trudy Gallagher. In 2007, she was recognized for her unique Labradorite Tree of Life Designs, when she won a 1st place award at the Annual Metal Jewellery Arts Competition at the NB College of Craft and Design. Melissa has participated in a number of juried fine craft shows at the NBCCD Gallery and the NB Crafts Council Gallery, as well has had her work featured at Ingrid Meullers Art + Concepts. In addition to this, Melissa' s Unique Labradorite Jewelry pieces have recently been featured in the International US Trade Magazine, Colored Stone (dec/ nov 2009). You will find her work in high end galleries/boutiques across Atlantic Canada: Spicer, Smith and Cole, (Regent Mall) Fredericton, NB, Kilbride's Fine Craft, Museum, Fredericton, NB, Handworks Gallery, Saint John,NB, Stile (Champlain Mall), Dieppe (moncton), NB, Pugsley's Emporium, Amherst, NS, Details Fine Art Gallery, Charlottetown, PEI.