About Us

The creative thinkers and artistic minds of today will grow up to be the world-changers of tomorrow! As a private art school, we strive to take art education to the next level to develop art-making and problem-solving skills simultaneously. Our students not only develop skills within the fine art mediums of drawing and painting, but also receive focused, individualized instruction from qualified educators.

Here at Otto’s, we believe that no two artists are alike. For this reason, students in all of our programming opportunities choose their own subject-matter and work at their own pace. We are a school which practices scaffolded learning, meaning that every student will begin with drawing mediums (soft pastel, pencil and charcoal) in order to practice and master shape-building. After demonstrating confidence and understanding, students will move onto harder mediums such as watercolor, oil painting and acrylic while continuing to utilize their drawing skills. We are very proud to say that many Otto’s students have gone on to pursue artistic career paths such as printmaking, painting, animation, film-making, and teaching.

Meet Melissa

Melissa is an artist, entrepreneur and educator in Waukesha County. In 2017, Melissa received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with an emphasis in drawing, painting and art education from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Melissa is passionate about art education. In 2018, Melissa purchased her childhood art school, Otto’s Fine Art Academy.  In 2022, she opened a second location in Mukwonago. Through Otto’s, Melissa offers scholarships to graduating seniors who plan to pursue art after high school. Melissa also prioritizes mentoring future art teachers by hiring college art students from local universities such as UW-Milwaukee, Carroll University, and UW-Whitewater.

Melissa keeps an active studio practice and exhibits locally. Her paintings and fibers works have been displayed and sold in a variety of locations, including Waukesha City Hall, The Waukesha County Courthouse, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and The Jazz Gallery in Milwaukee. She has also painted several murals and contributed to public art displays for her hometown, the City of Waukesha. In 2021, Melissa’s educational children’s book, Tabby is a Cat Who Likes to Paint was published and can be purchased online through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and at both Otto's Fine Art Academy locations.

Otto's Fine Art Academy, LLC
EIN: 83-0542329
Melissa L Hillmer, Owner
info@ottosartacademy.com