Success Story: B AWESUM

Turning Paint into Purpose with B AWESUM

Location: Central California | Fresno County | Fresno

Business Type: Art Therapy and Community Improvement

Small Business Center: Fresno Metro Black Chamber of Commerce (FMBCC)

Assistance Received: Technical assistance, networking, and funding opportunities

Visit B Awesum online

When life threw its toughest challenges at Melanie Glass, she turned inward—and then to art. As a Creative and Mixed Media Abstract Artist, Melanie found more than just expression in paint; she found healing, clarity, and resilience. Art became her lifeline and her launchpad.

After relocating from Pennsylvania to California for her Master’s in Art Therapy, Melanie sought to share her creations with the community. A letter to the Fresno Arts Council landed her an offer to present work outdoors at River Park Shopping Center. She declined—not because she lacked enthusiasm, but because her art was bold and larger than life. River Park saw her vision and offered a vacant retail space instead. Melanie accepted with passion, invited three other artists to join her, and opened the doors to B AWESUM.

What started as a pop-up exhibition blossomed into a powerhouse of creativity. Over five years and eight transformed venues, B AWESUM evolved into a thriving gallery and arts hub at the River Park’s Art Groove Gallery and Event Centers #1 & #2. Melanie now leads a collective of 32 visual artists, partnering with schools, local creatives, and the Fresno Metro Black Chamber of Commerce (FMBCC).

FMBCC’s support proved pivotal. With their guidance and grant opportunities, B AWESUM expanded programming, hired diverse instructors, and collaborated with poets, musicians, and performers. Their resources helped Melanie build sustainable business foundations, broaden community access to the arts, and create meaningful jobs and mentorship opportunities.

Through her journey, Melanie didn’t just turn passion into business, she built a sanctuary of expression. B AWESUM is more than a gallery; it’s a movement that empowers people to heal, connect, and grow through creativity. In every stroke and sculpture, Melanie reminds us: art isn’t only to be admired—it’s to be lived.

Learn more about B AWESUM at bawesum.com

And, if you are an entrepreneur looking to start a business or a small business owner looking to grow in the Central Valley, visit the Fresno Metro Black Chamber of Commerce (FMBCC) at: fmbcc.com

8/4/2025