Advisor by Day, Artist on the Side

A look at the talented Melissa Odenby Liliana CampoverdeAlmost every student at CCNY knows Melissa Oden. As academic advisor for the Humanities Department, she works with students across the campus to help them navigate their liberal arts core classes.But what most don’t know about her – she is also an artist.  Oden’s painting, “The Kitchen,” is featured in the exhibit “Mothers, Daughters, Sisters, and Scholars” which is on display at the Aaron Davis Hall gallery until May 4^th.  The exhibit is running in connection with the 1^st Annual Celebration of Women in Arts and Culture Awards to honor the women faculty of City College.Dr. Myrah Brown Green selected the artists, mainly alumni, community members and staff, including Oden. “I knew that I wanted all women and a mixture of cultures,” she said. “I picked those I thought would work best.” Oden’s vibrant piece depicts what seems to be a woman cooking in a kitchen. But looking closely, she is actually cutting into a pie with a saw. "Maybe she’s not too happy with her life,” explains Oden about the message behind her painting. “The piece is not exactly what you thought it was.”Born in Westchester County, Oden's life has also taken unexpected turns. After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin, she returned to New York and spent two years as an interior designer. Next came grad school--at CCNY in the studio art program.Six years ago, she found her calling as an academic advisor, but has kept her passion for art alive. “If you really like art, go for it," says Oden. Even if you have a day job, be committed to it. Keep going and don’t give up.”