Artist, educator, and entrepreneur MAUREEN CLAFFY has turned her love of art into an expansive career. The creator of Maureen Claffy Art Academy, she teaches the joy of creation at studio space inside Union Church, Hinsdale and in her “Draw and Paint for Life” programs in District 181 enrichment. In essence a watercolorist, Maureen also creates in oil following an artist residency at Ghost Ranch near Santa Fe, New Mexico. A member of The County Line Home Design Center, she creates and licenses original work art and specializes in commissions. Maureen has plans to create an artist co-op and offer destination classes for adults.

Who is your role model?

Georgia O’Keeffe. She remained untamed.

How do you impact your clients?

I think art collectors who commission my work have a better understanding of who they are and what they value, and a work of art that speaks that truth continually.

What are the greatest wins that you will forever treasure?

In almost every art class I have the opportunity to counsel a child who believes they made a “mistake” in their artwork. They are often in tears. This is a pivotal moment to teach that mistakes, as we perceive them, are truly best seen as opportunities to decide again and create in a new direction. This is the great lesson art teaches about life. My soul is deeply grateful each time I can share this.

What influenced your path to success?

I am where I am today because I got divorced in my 40s. I was terrified. It turns out that all of that fear and loss was a portal where I learned to transcend fear through love to stand in the power of my own life. Art has become my vehicle to teach others to do the same.

What advice would you give to future Power Women?

Take the time to remember what you love—that is the beginning of a vision for your life. Vision is essential to creation.

For more information, visit maureenclaffy.com.