By Merrin Overholt
Photo courtesy of Mackenna Overholt Fine Art
In a bright studio on the Greek Island of Paros, Mackenna Overholt, an artist from Golden, Colorado, stood surrounded by visitors at Cycladic Arts, a month-long residency program. Her paintings hung beside work from other artists who studied beside her. For her, the moment felt unreal, it showed how far she had come. Mackenna’s journey as an artist didn’t start in Greece. In fact, it began earlier, shaped by illness, challenges, and the way she learned to turn her experiences into creativity. When Mackenna was a sophomore at Golden High School, she started to experience symptoms that didn’t make sense: dizziness, rapid heart rate, migraines, stomach pain, and more. After months of confusion, she was diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) at the Mayo Clinic. At the time, there wasn’t much research available, and it was very overwhelming. “I developed pretty severe anxiety and depression because I lost a full sense of self,” she said. “I constantly missed the fun and active person I used to be.”
The bedroom of her childhood home in Golden became the place where she attempted to cope. She painted flowers on her walls and used art to express what she couldn’t explain. Creating became a way to feel like herself again. POTS affects many people, especially women, and can make everyday tasks a lot more difficult. Symptoms get worse when standing, which can make simple things much more exhausting. There is no cure, but physical therapy, exercise, and lifestyle changes make it a bit more manageable. Even athletes like Katie Ledecky have talked about living with POTS, helping more people understand the condition since Mackenna’s diagnosis. Years later,
Mackenna traveled to Paros for the Cycladic Arts residency, which became a major turning point in her growth as an artist. The campus was surrounded by stunning flowers, nature, and turquoise beaches, and she worked alongside other artists every day. “Cycladic Arts was like waking up in a dream,” she said. “I was welcomed into the most loving, supportive, and free spirited environment.” At the end of the month, the residency held an open studio party. Locals and tourists came to see the artwork, and Mackenna even sold some of her pieces. She left with new friendships, handmade gifts, and a stronger sense of who she was as an artist. “I get emotional thinking about how much I grew,” she said. “It’s something I’ll carry with me forever.” Mackenna always knew she was creative, but high school was when she realized art could be her future. At Golden High School, she was taught by Mr. Miller, a teacher who became one of the biggest influences on her art career during her struggles. His encouragement, teaching, and belief in her talent helped her gain confidence and played a huge role in her decision to study art in college. After four years at the University of Alabama, her work was selected for multiple shows in New York, giving her the chance to display her paintings to a wider audience. Even though the art world can be competitive, Mackenna’s experiences with chronic illness taught her resilience and shaped her art.
Today, Mackenna continues to grow her career, using the strength she built during her hardest years. Her art is not only creative but proof of how she rebuilt herself. From Golden, Colorado, to traveling the world, Mackenna has learned to turn her challenges into color and meaning.
Leave a comment