About | Testimonials | Common Questions

During the class session, I observed Ms. Olmsted's interaction with the children. She spoke to them about being an artist, the creative process, living your dreams, the reason for the mural, and the history of our town. The children responded so well to Ms. Olmsted and followed the clear guidelines she gave them for participating. By the time the mural was complete, every students at Oak Street School- all 640 of them- painted some part of the mural... The children were so proud of what they accomplished. As a result, as Principal Jane Costa said, "They'll always have a connection to their school now. They have their imprint." Even today, almost one year later, I see children point out their work... As a parent volunteer painter, it was so personally satisfying to see the children engaged in this manner... The mural not only beautified Oak Street School, but it also brought positive publicity... It is heartening to see how one person with a creative forward-thinking vision and a dedicated team of volunteers can make their small corner of the world a better, brighter, more beautiful place.

Christine Corrigan, Cultural Arts Chair, Oak Street School PTO
Basking Ridge, NJ

We cannot begin to tell you how awestruck we were to see your second pool mural at the Developmental Learning Center-Warren! The beauty that it captures in the essence of the Jersey Shore is completely unparalleled. Words of appreciation cannot express our heartfelt gratitude for the time, talent, and genuine caring that you so generously devoted to the second phase of painting our school mural. The comments we have heard from staff, students, and parents are numerous and provide you with unanimous rave reviews! Thank you so very much for continuing the mural with us and we look forward to Phase 3.

Kim B. Coleman, Superintendent; Janet L. Parmelee, Assistant Superintendent; Susan Yaniro, Business Administrator
Morris-Union Jointure Commission Board of Education, September 2010

On behalf of the Morris-Union Jointure Commission, please accept our sincerest appreciation for the fabulous mural that you created at the Developmental Learning Center-Warren. Please know that everyone that has seen it has complimented the creativity, beauty, and calmness of the piece... To say that the artwork is exquisite is a vast understatement. Not only is it engaging and representative of a beautiful beach scene, it evokes much spontaneous language for our students with autism. It is exactly what we desired for our students at the Developmental Learning Center.

Kim B. Coleman, Superintendent; Janet L. Parmelee, Assistant Superintendent; Susan Yaniro, Business Administrator
Morris-Union Jointure Commission Board of Education, September 2009

You have transformed our school!

St. Vincent Martyr School parent, Madison, NJ

We loved every minute of preparation and painting! It was a great week and we so very happy every single student participated! Thank you!

St. Vincent Martyr School parent, Madison, NJ

What a pleasure and honor to with you, Caren! Thank you so much!

St. Vincent Martyr School parent, Madison, NJ

I wanted my movement studio to be inviting, nurturing, non-intimidating... a place where people can feel safe moving. From the second that you open the door and see the logo entrance, you know that the artist that worked on the space was completely invested in the job… She is forever a part of realization of my dream. She is professional, compassionate, dependable and honest. She has integrity and is deeply committed to customer satisfaction. Most of all, she is very talented. I can't even image what mbody would be like if Caren didn't have her part in it.

Simone, Asheville, NC

When the drawings arriving I couldn’t get over how stunning they were! You are so talented and I can't tell you how excited I was to give these to my boyfriend! They are most precious, as they mark two very special places that we have been this year. Your talent really captured those memories and turned them into art. My boyfriend loved the Christmas gift!

Carolyn, Bernardsville, NJ

You did an amazing job on my kitchen table and chairs! They look so updated; no one believes they are my old oak table and chairs! I love the gold touches. I also adore my new island! You did such a wonderful job with the paint that even though it is brand new, it feels as if it is a family heirloom! Thank you again!

Genie, Asheville, NC

Caren, Just to let you know, we got some white painted trim base in the kids area and also hung a bunch of really cool birdhouses on the wall across for the “moo-ral” (we give handmade birdhouses to our clients as closing gifts). It’s the best looking spot in the showroom! Thanks again for everything; you are quite popular around here!

Elizabeth Lewis, Designer, Hendersonville, NC

As a child, my family had a rustic cabin in the North Georgia Mountains. My brother and I have extremely fond memories of our time there. Recently, my brother has been heartsick for the cabin which was sold a few years ago. I asked Caren to draw a picture of the cabin to give to my brother for Christmas. She did a wonderful job! It was a perfect image from the picture. When I gave the drawing to my brother it brought tears to his eyes! Thank you Caren for the beautiful picture!

Susie Sweet, Asheville, NC

Caren painted a quotation around the wall of our new kitchen.....She matched colors and style to the kitchen...now, everyone who looks up finds a bit of joy!

Stephen and Joseph, Asheville, NC

Caren Frost Olmsted is not only a skilled artist she is innovative, intuitive and completely original. Her work on the Flat Rock Music Festival 2006 poster was beautiful and a perfect reflection of the atmosphere we strive to create each year. Both festival staff and attendees alike were thrilled with how the art looked on paper, on t-shirts and online. I would recommend Caren to any business owner or corporate entity looking to create an image that will stand out above the rest and leave a lasting impression!

Sarah Benoit, Sidhe Communications, Asheville, NC

Everything was lovely. It was a great success! Your guitar brought in a good portion of the raffle money! Thank you so much for your donation!

Monique, Bellezza Si Esthetics, Morristown, NJ

I recently moved to my dream house in Asheville, and Caren did faux finishes in three of my rooms. They are so lovely! I am delighted, and love the compliments I get when friends stop by. My home office is my favorite...a gold base with two lush gold glazes. I just love going in the room each day...it is so rich and inviting. Each project that she did for me was spectacular- beyond my expectations!

Susan, Asheville, NC

I would highly recommend Caren to do any sort of artistic design in anyone's home. She has a wonderful sense of color, design and artistic touches. She took a very "ugly" room in my home and made it into a place where everyone gravitates and wants to be. Her high energy and keen sense of color are a delight!! I am so lucky to have found her and now have her art in my home!! Thanks so much, Caren!!

Patti, Asheville, NC

There is a distinct difference between “decorative accents” & true artistry. Caren Frost Olmsted is an example of a craftswoman who exhibits true artistry in her work, & I have the pleasure of enjoying the fruits of her labor on a daily basis in my place of business. I was so pleased with the final results, which took Caren many hours of concentration & planning, I immediately decided upon seeing the final result that I wanted more of her magic touch around me & my clients every day. It was a great pleasure to receive the compliments of so many of my clients during their treatments. Prior to Caren’s work, my clients raved exclusively about my esthetic abilities. After her artistry came to life, I received so many accolades about the “heavenly ambiance” that I had given my studio’s interior. It is such a great pleasure & privilege to recommend & sing the praises of a dedicated & talented artist like Caren Olmsted.

Caterina Castaldo, Bellezza Si Esthetics, Morristown , NJ
www.bellezzasi.com

Caren's artwork is fabulous. I have purchased multiple drawings from her as gifts for my clients and they have been equally as thrilled! Her drawings are my gift of choice after closings. Thanks again for your amazing work!

Sue Ellen Drake, Realtor, Asheville, NC

Caren worked from photographs to create a beautiful picture of the house where my family lived in Atlanta for 28 years - when we moved, I wanted to give my adult sons a picture of the house where they grew up - From pictures I'd taken, Caren replicated the house and landscaping in exact detail in color pencils - I was so pleased that I plan to have her do one for me and my husband!

Judi, Asheville, NC

Caren - I wanted to share with you how happy your drawing made my father. The house you drew was from a photo in the early 1900's from my family house in Charleston (built around 1912). My parents still have the house and rent it out as a duplex, but I wanted to re-create the look of the house my father grew up in. The picture you drew brought back a flood of memories and it brought my Dad to tears when he opened the picture. Thank you for helping me make such a special gift for my parents!

English, Asheville, NC

Caren is a very talented artist and a warm, caring person. I treasure her customized drawing of my condominium project which I had Caren create as my husband's gift for our 25th wedding anniversary.

Kathy, Asheville, NC

"I have had hugs, kisses & shared tears with my clients who I have given, what I call "The Gift That Keeps on Giving," because it will give for generations. The matted & framed picture of a clients' home, whether they are selling or buying, will hold memories of the past for them, or the memories they will build together in the future. I also know that by giving a gift that is so meaningful, that my clients will remember me in the future! Thank you so much, Caren!"

Brenda Dillingham, Century 21 Broker

"I gave my clients one of Caren’s drawings as a closing gift…& they absolutely loved it!!! It was so personal, unique & affordable, & easy! All I had to do was email her a picture & a short while later she brought it to me matted & ready-to-go! I’ll use Caren’s drawings over & over!"

Rory Heller, Century 21 Agent