Art Space is part of Inner Circle Creative Arts Therapy, offering therapeutic art experiences to the community. Our practitioners lead group sessions and also provide individual and small group support. Come explore the healing power of art with us!
Becky Johnson MPS, ATR
Founder CEO of ART SPACE and Inner Circle Creative Arts Therapy
As an Art Therapist and professional Artist, I dedicate my work to uncovering what is hidden within our unconscious selves through the power of the art making process. In my Art Therapy practice in all of its capacities, I strive to help individuals of all ages harness the transformative power of art for healing, growth, and enjoyment. I firmly believe in the creative process's ability to guide us through the liminal spaces that exist between the known and unknown, skill and instinct, fluidity, and control. In this journey of creation, we cannot hide from ourselves; the choices we make while engaging with art reflect how we navigate our lives. I trust my clients to be the authorities on their own interpretations and meanings in their art, as I take on the role of a supportive guide, collaborator, teacher, fellow artist, or whatever role the session may call for. I love this work, and believe in it wholeheartedly.
With over 18 years of experience, I began my journey as a teaching artist in schools, eventually working my way in various community and clinical settings as a professional Artist and Art Therapist. My educational path includes an undergraduate degree in Art Studio from UCDavis, followed by a Master's degree in Art Therapy and Creativity Development from Pratt Institute in New York, which I completed in 2011.
Since returning to the Sierra Nevada foothills in 2014 with my husband, I have embraced the roles of mother to three, while balancing my commitment to making Art Therapy and intentional therapeutic art making accessible. My passion for this work has only deepened with my experience, fueling my passion to connect with and uplift those I serve through the healing power of creativity.
Janelle Marcione
Senior Art Therapy Teaching Assistant
Janelle is a dedicated educator and accomplished artist with over a decade of experience inspiring and nurturing young minds. With a rich background that includes roles as a nanny, art teacher, preschool educator, and student worker in the Sierra College Art Department, Janelle brings a well-rounded and compassionate approach to teaching and mentoring.
Currently, she serves as a teaching artist with Art Space and is the Program Director of Pleasant Ridge School District, and preschool teacher. She is also a trusted childcare provider, offering occasional babysitting and support to multiple families in our community.
A passionate visual artist, Janelle specializes in painting and sculpture, and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Studio Arts from California State University, Sacramento (2021). She has a special knack for finding unusual and upcycled materials for art-making, and is always on the hunt for fun, unexpected supplies at thrift stores, estate sales, and anywhere creativity can be sparked. Her inventive approach encourages students to see artistic potential in everyday objects and to think about art in new, exciting ways.
Janelle is equally passionate about supporting young people in discovering who they are in the world. She is deeply committed to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and anti-oppressive environment in all of her work, and is a proud ally to people of all intersectional identities and life choices.
Residing in Alta Sierra, CA, with her husband, Janelle continues to empower the next generation of artists and creative thinkers through hands-on learning, thoughtful mentorship, and a wholehearted love for the transformative power of art.
Shelby Fletcher
Studio Educator
Born and raised in Nevada County, Shelby is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education at Chico State after earning her associate’s degree at Sierra College. She plans on earning her PK-3 Teaching Credential from Sac State.
Shelby has been part of the Art Space community since 2025 and brings a calm, encouraging presence to every class. She has years of experience caring for children as both a nanny and babysitter and has had the joy of getting to know so many little ones in the Art Space community, from babies on up.
Shelby’s passion for child development has been shaped by a wide range of experiences. She has worked at the Sierra College Child Development Center and Kentucky Flat Preschool, and she grew up immersed in her mom’s beloved preschool, Backyard Schoolhouse, where she developed a deep appreciation for child-led learning, play, and the wonder of early childhood. As a graduate of Forest Charter School, she also brings a personal understanding of the homeschool community and the unique learning styles and experiences of homeschool families.
Known for her kindness, patience, and natural ability to connect with children, Shelby creates a warm, welcoming environment where young artists feel safe to explore, create, and grow. The kids absolutely adore her, and we’re so grateful to have her as part of the Art Space team.
