mary telfer
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—THE PLACE WHERE INDIVIDUAL JOURNEYS
​MEET COLLECTIVE CREATIVITY
​THROUGH ART
We are a vibrant online art membership designed to inspire and challenge artists of all levels. Each week, members receive a unique art challenge to spark creativity, experiment with new techniques, and build a consistent art practice. With a supportive community for sharing work, monthly Zoom calls for connection and feedback, and plenty of inspiration, it’s the perfect space to stay motivated and grow as an artist - for only $9 a month!
  • home
  • about
  • CLASSES / COURSES
    • the creative collective
    • Art Camp for Grown-Ups
    • Pastel Class - Zoom
    • Pastel Class - Zoom
  • Free Instruction
    • Simplify Your Process: 5 Steps to Creating a Series of Art
    • FREE 7-Daily Art Challenges
    • FREE Vegan & Cruelty-Free Art Supply Guide
    • Watercolor Sky Instruction
  • Testimonials
  • INDIVIDUAL ART COACHING
    • ONE-HOUR COACHING SESSION
    • PACKAGE OF 6 ONE-HOUR COACHING SESSIONS
    • VIP DAY
  • portfolio
    • Pastel Paintings
    • rescued
    • abstracts
    • coupon queens
    • feeding time
    • revenge
    • the yellow wallpaper
    • ladies who lunch
    • non-literal self portraits
    • orange dove project - a radical pet-a-dogy
    • the bride's dilemma
    • flora paintings
  • INDIVIDUAL ART COACHING
Real people. Real art. Real smiles.
Come for the creativity, stay for the community. 💛
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The Creative Collective

$9.00

Pay now
Here’s What You Get!​

🎨 Weekly Art Challenges – Every Monday morning, a brand-new art challenge will land in your inbox! These challenges are designed to spark creativity, encourage self-expression, and help you grow as an artist. Some will be thought-provoking explorations of the intersection between art and life, while others will be simple, fun, and straight to the point. Either way, they’ll keep you inspired and creating consistently!

🌎 Access to a Private Creative Community – Connect with a supportive group of artists from around the world in our exclusive online membership space. Join us to share your work, get feedback, and find inspiration. And as we prepare to launch our new hub, you’ll be the first to know when it’s ready—designed just for artists like you, without the distractions of social media.

☕ Monthly Zoom Hangout – On the first Thursday of every month at 11 AM CT, I’ll be live on Zoom for an informal, artist-to-artist chat. Some months, we’ll simply connect over coffee (or tea!), while other times, we’ll dive into topics like making money with art or exploring the creative processes of both well-known and overlooked artists. Can’t make it live? No worries—I’ll share the recording afterward so you won’t miss a thing!

4-Min Video showing you the membership site!

What Sharonah, a founding member, had to say...

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1-Min Video by Sharonah! Click and listen!

The Creative Collective

$9.00

Pay now
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You deserve the time and space to create, explore, and grow—alongside a supportive community of artists. This is your chance to define the kind of artist you’ve always wanted to be while connecting with new friends, rediscovering yourself, and most importantly—having FUN!
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If life’s responsibilities pushed your creative dreams aside, The Creative Collective is here to help you reclaim them. It’s time to nurture the artistic spark you’ve quieted for too long and let it shine again!


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Hi, I’m Mary - artist, mentor, and creator of The Creative Collective, a thriving online membership designed to inspire and support artists of all levels. Whether you’re a seasoned creator or a “closet creative” longing to make art again, I believe creativity should be joyful, freeing, and accessible to everyone.

With an MFA, 20+ years of teaching experience, and features on Martha Stewart Radio, the Chicago Tribune, and Home Business Magazine, I bring both passion and expertise to nurturing your creative journey.


Through my art challenges, Zoom classes, and workshops, I help artists break through creative blocks, experiment fearlessly, and build confidence in their unique artistic voice. My approach centers on community, exploration, and encouragement - whether working with pastels, watercolors, acrylics, or mixed media.


Each week in The Creative Collective, I offer engaging art challenges to spark new ideas and push creative boundaries. My Zoom classes provide a welcoming space for learning, feedback, and connection, where artists develop skills in a supportive environment. I also create free resources, like my 7-page collection of art challenges, to help creative people jumpstart their practice.


​I know what it’s like to feel stuck, unsure, or too busy to make time for art. That’s why I’m passionate about helping creatives reclaim their artistic spark, embrace imperfection, and find joy in the process. No matter where you are on your journey, there’s a place for you here.

Let’s create something amazing together!

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The Creative Collective

$9.00

Pay now
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Click here to listen to what Melissa loves about the membership in this 2-minute video!

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Here's what Lorraine had to say in this one minute video.

"
Mary's challenges are not only clear and inspiring, but a healing journey of self-discovery. 

The live Zoom sessions are so relaxing and supportive I am comfortable sharing even when I am not feeling great about my work. 

Mary and the other artists are kind and give constructive ideas to follow through, encouraging me to continue and complete the artwork. 


Thank you Mary!"

The Creative Collective

$9.00

Pay now
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  • home
  • about
  • CLASSES / COURSES
    • the creative collective
    • Art Camp for Grown-Ups
    • Pastel Class - Zoom
    • Pastel Class - Zoom
  • Free Instruction
    • Simplify Your Process: 5 Steps to Creating a Series of Art
    • FREE 7-Daily Art Challenges
    • FREE Vegan & Cruelty-Free Art Supply Guide
    • Watercolor Sky Instruction
  • Testimonials
  • INDIVIDUAL ART COACHING
    • ONE-HOUR COACHING SESSION
    • PACKAGE OF 6 ONE-HOUR COACHING SESSIONS
    • VIP DAY
  • portfolio
    • Pastel Paintings
    • rescued
    • abstracts
    • coupon queens
    • feeding time
    • revenge
    • the yellow wallpaper
    • ladies who lunch
    • non-literal self portraits
    • orange dove project - a radical pet-a-dogy
    • the bride's dilemma
    • flora paintings
  • INDIVIDUAL ART COACHING