Southport Magazine

Missy Ronquilo is one of those people who just makes us smile. We talked to her about how she is helping people use art to relieve some of the stress of all of this. 

What have you been doing to adapt the new situation? 

As soon as we felt that we needed to close our doors , I started making some DIY art kits and thinking of some fun online virtual classes. We have kits in painting, weaving, resin, painting wine glasses and more. These are some really cool fun kits!  Not just a paint by number. All kits come complete with instructions and everything you need to complete that art project. We are so grateful, with orders from all over the US.  We will ship these kits, deliver them to your house and offer curbside pickup. Our online virtual classes have been doing amazing…we have had a ton of private parties that gather friends and families from east coast to west coast. I supply all materials you need for the online classes. We can ship, deliver, curbside pick up or if you have your own materials we offer different buying options.  I also have started a famous artist series…where I dress like the artist and we paint a painting in the style of the artist!  It is great fun and brings a lot of laughter, which we need in times like this.  I started this series geared towards kids, but we have had so many adults wanting to do it too that we now offer a kids version and adult version.  This week we are doing a Frida Kahlo painting.

How has art helped you through this? Either making it or experiencing others’ art?  

Honestly, I have been so focused on keeping our business afloat that I have not had energy to work on my own art.  But I am so happy that so many are doing art to keep them busy and sane at this time. Typically art is my happy place.

Why is art important in times like this? What does it do for us?  

Making art is a great distraction. It gives your brain something to focus on, or not focus on.  You can just zone out when you are creating. It is a form of mediation. Personally, when I am making art I lose track of time and I feel at peace.  

What have you learned in dealing with the COVID19 shut down that will help you moving forward? Both personally and from a business and artist perspective?

Oh, gosh I have learned so much. I have learned to have a back up plan for the business, not rely on one aspect for success.   We started the business 11 years ago online, and I am just putting it all back to basics.  It is like starting over.  But it is something I will continue when we get back to some normalcy.  We are just trying to move forward and keep going and being okay with whatever the outcome is.  I have learned not to take ANYTHING for granted.  

Can you speak to community support of the arts during this? 

Our community has been amazing, doing whatever they can to help.  By buying gift cards, DIY kits, and signing up for online classes!  Love our community. I LOVE YOU!

Please add anything else you’d like. 

All of our virtual online classes, and DIY kits, and gift cards can be found on our website  www.pescadoyamor.com  

Even though we have taken a huge financial hit, we are grateful we have each other, that we are a strong community and are in this together. 

WE Love you, Pescado Y Amor