About me.

Thanks for your interest in my work!
I have been creating works of art since I could grasp a paintbrush. I was born in Paxton, Illinois, a town of about 12,000 people. My mother taught me to paint while I was still in a high chair and at the age of 15, I began helping Mom paint signs professionally. I decided sign painting was not for me but I have been fortunate to be able to continue to make a living making art.

Most recently I’ve focused on polymer clay sculptures & ornaments. Each sculpture is a one of a kind piece using polymer clay over various glass forms. After sculpting, I bake the pieces in a regular oven & then they are stained and painted with oil paint. Using polymer clay and paint together has given me an opportunity to merge two favorite mediums. My studio is filled with an assortment of Christmas ornaments & seasonal characters such as bunnies, witches and birthday birds.

My polymer clay work is currently available on Etsy in my store: etsy.com/shop/MercedeseBantzArt at various art shows & festivals . You can contact the me directly for information about upcoming shows and boutiques and for pricing and availability. Yes! I take custom orders. I also hope to begin teaching classes soon. Stay tuned!

My paintings are in homes & offices throughout the U.S. and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Past clients include Sunkist, The California Dept. of Agriculture, Somerset Studio Magazine, Belle Amoire Magazine, Actor James Spader (Boston Legal and The Blacklist) & Singer Melissa Etheridge & of course the hundreds of individual clients & collectors.
My illustrations have been licensed for use on a variety of products including rubber stamps, needlepoint canvas, plush, clothing, ceramic kitchen and holiday giftware, baby gift items and pet dishes.
You can find some of my paintings and illustration work for sale in my Etsy store: PlaysWellWithOthers

I have lived in Sunny California for about 25 years with a small herd of cats. I love M & M’s (plain-no nuts), I’m hopelessly inept at sewing and gardening, and I love to travel both near and far.
Thanks for visiting my site! Smiles & peace be with you. Mercedese
Be sure to check out all of my work on social media. Facebook, Instagram, Etsy, Pinterest & Spoonflower.
Copyright 2020 • Mercedese Bantz Art • All Rights Reserved