About Us
Michele Oppenberg
Owner, Operator
Michele Oppenberg was born and raised in The Bronx, N.Y. Graduated from The High School of Art & Design in NYC, and earned a BFA from The Maryland Institute, College of Art in Baltimore, MD. After a brief career as a Display Artist with Bamberger’s and Macy’s, she learned the art of Decorative Painting with one of the oldest and longest established Decorative Painting companies in the U.S., The Valley Craftsmen, Ltd., in Baltimore & Washington D.C. She was with the company for 12 years, becoming Production Supervisor, as well as hiring & training. She also led several long distance projects, including a docked Cruise liner in San Diego, CA. She moved to Naples, FL, in 1999 and set up a Satellite Studio for The Valley Craftsmen. In 2003 the Florida studio became independent and is today, The Valley Craftsmen South. Michele lives in a remodeled 1958 Rancher with her Remodeler and Musician husband, rescued Catahoula dog and Tuxedo cat.
Nilsa Betancourt
Nilsa Betancourt grew up first in Puerto Rico, and then Lawrence, MA. She joined The Valley Craftsmen in 2000, and continued after it became The Valley Craftsmen South. Nilsa’s prior experience includes wood-working, painting, spraying and staining, and took to the artistry of Decorative Painting as soon as she was introduced to it. She enjoys decorating her own house, which she shares with her rescued Tabby cat, and Guinea Pig, which really belongs to her 2 Grand daughters.
