About Artful Transformations

Welcome to Artful Transformations!

My name is Natalee Wright. I have been creating artwork and crafting in some capacity for almost 25 years. It all started my junior year of high school when I landed in detention for not wanting to participate in my choir class turned study hall (for lack of music teacher). While in detention, doodling, my art teacher spotted me and commuted my sentence to portfolio art class. She encouraged me to create, build skills in multiple mediums, and enter into art exhibitions. 

I participated in juried shows in Florida from 2000 - 2007, winning Second place and the Juror's Choice Award for a colored pencil drawing in 2000. I was awarded the Judd Foundation Scholarship in 2001 and participated in CANstruction exhibits my Junior and Senior year of high school. Those of you who know me from Florida are more likely to know about my art. Those of you who know me from Indiana or elsewhere most likely do not, which is why this introduction might be helpful. 

Over the years as I have grown and transitioned, I have always taken art and creativity with me. Last fall, I decided to continue to grow and transition by returning to get a second Master's Degree in Art Therapy to advance my practice as a behavior consultant, board certified life coach and artist. Through attending studio courses, I learned how much I missed having art as an integral part of my life. Unfortunately, my health had other plans and I decided to stop pursuit of a degree in art therapy. 

Instead, I will move forward with the Artful Transformations art studio as a way to provide group art lessons, paint parties, one on one art instruction, and help others explore their creativity. I plan to continue furthering my art by participating in local art events, allowing my art for sale, and by furthering my artistic journey with lessons from other artists and workshops. I plan to continue coaching and consulting as a part of Artful Transformations to assist others in healing and growing through their personal artwork.

I look forward to creating and growing with you!

 The Old Wash Shed Art Studio @ Artful Transformations in Columbia City, Indiana has been through quite a few transitions in its lifetime. It has been called by many names and has housed many visitors. 

This building used to live beside my home when I was a child growing up here. When my parents added on to the home (1994?), my dad moved the building to its current home on the property. Once in its spot, he transformed it from a two room wash shed/meat hanging shed, to a clubhouse for my sister and I. It was dubbed "The Playhouse". 

In 2017, when my husband and I moved to the farm (otherwise known as Gradyville), I cleaned up the graffiti (I mean, of course, the awesome black light and glow in the dark painted words and pictures that our teen selves created) and made the playhouse my soap shop where Black Willow Soaps operated from until this year. 

After deciding to close the doors on Black Willow Soaps, I reconditioned it as the Old Wash Shed Studio at Artful Transformations where it is now used as the setting for art classes and other creative endeavors. 

Stay tuned for an indoor look at the Old Wash Shed Studio - or join us for an art lesson to get an in person look. Classes can be found at the Artful Transformations website at www.artfultransformations.art/group-classes or you can contact me directly to schedule a party at the Old Wash Shed Studio or your choice of location. 

I look forward to creating and growing with you!