ABOUT US
our instructors //
Shell & Bee was founded in 2019, in the hope to make art + the process of making art accessible to our community. Our goal is help patrons gain a better understanding of artists and their respective movements, as well as allowing an individual exploration of materials. We have provided a sanctuary to connect around art, while providing a safe environment, where people feel free to be themselves with support from others. We embody a sense of acceptance that allows others to see their full potential, setting up each student to be successful in all endeavors.
Art is for all.
Shell & Bee is a creative studio space that focuses on connecting art, community, and education. We host open studio time, regularly scheduled classes and workshops for toddlers, children, teens, & adults.
directress + owner //chelbi
Chelbi Wade is a freelance artist and art educator working and living in Deep River. In 2014, she received her undergraduate in sculpture with an emphasis on art education from Montserrat College of Art and Design in Beverly, Massachusetts. After graduation, Wade began teaching at Circle of Friends Montessori in Chester, CT where she taught and led the art program. During this time, she received her Primary Montessori teaching certificate from Northeast Montessori Institute. Wade left Montessori in pursuit of better health and her personal art career.
In 2019, she began teaching private art classes out of her studio in Deep River. In 2020, she opened Shell & Bee Studio and was voted best artist of the year in Connecticut by Connecticut Magazine. In 2021, she opened & founded SoMA, the new home of Shell & Bee Studio alongside other creators and their businesses.
Her artwork can be found inside Grano (Chester, CT), High Nine Brewing (Deep River, CT), SoMA (Deep River), and The Hebron House (Hebron, CT)
She currently resides in Deep River with her husband, daughter Luci, and animals. When she isn’t teaching or creating, Wade enjoys spending her time in nature.
instructor//abby
Abby Roccapriore is an artist, educator, and mother in Clinton CT. Abby is a mother of 3 who live in Clinton. Besides her work at Shell & Bee, Abby enjoys volunteering for events in her community. She is an active member of Clintons Human Rights Council, and is an advocate for children. She spends a large portion of her time out of work volunteering as a foster to dogs through two organizations here in CT.
Before Shell & Bee, Abby worked as a para educator in Clinton School Systems & still works as a substitute.
She loves being outside, taking adventures, food and family: Her husband Brian, children Rex, Aurora and Nola - and her dogs, Poppy and Franklin.
Email: aroccshellbeestudio@gmail.com
instructor//pamela
Pamela Hutchinson Brown is a freelance graphic designer, artist, and teacher. Pamela is a graduate of Montclair State University with a bachelor’s in fine art and graphic design. Upon graduation she worked for 21 years in advertising and corporate communications in Los Angeles, CA and NY, New York. In August of 2006, Pamela received her teaching certification from New Jersey City University allowing her eligibility to teach elementary school grades K-5.
In 2013, on a quest to mold together her two passions of children and art, Pamela moved to Uxbridge, MA where she freelanced as a graphic designer and taught Pre-K at The SALMON Center for Early Education in Northbridge, MA.
In 2016, Pamela moved to Madison, CT and taught Pre-K in Madison while continuing her freelance design and opening her art studio.
When she is not working with children and creating in her art studio, Pamela enjoys spending time with her husband and two dogs Navy and Chester, reading, writing, boating, swimming, biking, playing/learning piano, and attending live music concerts/events.
You can find her at: www.rootdesign.us
Email: pamelashellbeestudio@gmail.com
instructor//marissa
Marissa is a custom illustrator from Oakdale, CT. She has a Bachelor's in Studio Art from Wesleyan University and an Elementary Education degree from UNH.
Marissa loves to teach and encourage creativity in people of all ages! She is currently working on character development for a game and illustrating her second children's book. If she isn't in the studio, you can find her exploring in the woods, hiking up mountains, or working in the garden!
You can find her on Instagram @mars.nap.art and at www.marsnapart.com