In the world of art collecting, there are those who acquire pieces to fill spaces, and then there are those who curate their lives with intention, surrounding themselves with work that marks moments, celebrates beauty, and tells a story. Melissa Peirce is unmistakably the latter.
With fourteen original Stefanie Bales Fine Art paintings thoughtfully placed throughout her San Diego home, Melissa has created more than a collection—she's built a visual narrative of her family's journey, a celebration of everyday beauty, and a legacy of creativity that she's now passing down to her son. Her approach to collecting is as thoughtful as her personal style: chic, elevated, and deeply meaningful.
We sat down with Melissa to learn more about her relationship with art, her connection to Stefanie Bales Fine Art, and how these paintings have become woven into the fabric of her family's daily life.
Where do you call home?
San Diego, California
Three words that describe your personal style or aesthetic?
Chic, thoughtful, elevated
What is your favorite color?
I'm drawn to the colors that come from life itself: sunsets and open skies, my husband's and my son's eyes, the evergreen trees in Tahoe, and the lake with its deep blues and emerald bays. I love them when they all come together in nature and on canvas in a perfectly captivating SBFA painting.
A favorite place you've traveled to and why?
Paris will always hold a special place in my heart, but when I think about favorite trips, a few stand out. Italy, for its pace, beauty, reverence for history, and the way art is woven so naturally into everyday life, feels lived-in and soulful in the best way.
Another favorite was a journey defined by contrast. After a beautiful wedding in Spain, we traveled on to Morocco and then Ireland. The striking differences in color, climate, and culture made each destination even more rewarding and unforgettable.
One thing on your bucket list?
A slow, extended stay abroad with my family, living somewhere beautiful long enough to truly settle in, create routines, and soak it all up.
A fun fact about you that most people wouldn't guess?
I'm deeply sentimental. I save notes, moments, and memories, and I'm always thinking about legacy, storytelling, and how beauty shows up in everyday life. I often wish there were a pause button. And if I could, I would rewind and relive every moment with my family.
How did you first discover Stefanie Bales Fine Art?
Through community and connection, and Nordstrom. When I was a stylist downtown, Stefanie would cut through Nordstrom on her way to her downtown art studio, and we bonded first over fashion, then art, and later over motherhood.
I was immediately drawn to her work and the intention behind it. Her art feels personal and layered, and it draws you in. It is both familiar and magical.
How many original SBFA paintings do you own?
I own 14 original pieces, an SBFA painted vase, and a bit of fashion as art, an SBFA scarf that my son chose and that we framed. Choosing a favorite feels impossible.
Each one marks a moment in time and carries its own meaning.
Can you tell us the story behind the decision to purchase your first piece from Stefanie?
It felt instinctual. The piece spoke to me emotionally before I ever thought about where it would live. I believe art should make you feel something immediately, and that first piece did exactly that.
What drew you to Stefanie's work initially?
The colors and the emotion. Her work feels honest and intuitive, layered with movement, depth, and feeling. It invites you in rather than explaining itself. And it is simply gorgeous.
What criteria do you typically consider when deciding to add a new piece to your collection?
Connection first. I look for pieces that feel timeless, emotionally resonant, and capable of growing with me over time.
Where do your paintings hang?
My pieces live in my home, in spaces where our family gathers most. I love art being part of everyday life. It is something we pass by, pause with, and live alongside.
Chanel 1, 2, and 3 hang on the wall just as you pass the threshold into our home, and The Endless Chromatic is the first painting you see as you enter the room. It sits atop an antique Greek pot and brings me so much joy.
A few smaller works, including favorites Zephyr and December, along with a painted vase, live in our curiosity cabinet and bring it to life.
I also keep a couple of favorites in my bedroom, including Among the Wildflowers and pieces from her Love Letters to San Diego series, specifically her works of the Hotel del Coronado, the San Diego Zoo, and Balboa Park. They feel deeply personal, and their stories, both within the art itself and in how they came to be mine, make me so happy.
Has owning Stefanie's art brought anything unexpected into your life?
Absolutely. Joy, inspiration, and connection. Her work often becomes a conversation starter, but more importantly, it is a quiet presence that brings beauty and meaning into our daily rhythm. It has also helped nurture the curiosity, creativity, and artistic spark in my son. He even picked his own SBFA piece, Pacific Tide.
Anything else you'd like to add?
Collecting Stefanie's work feels like supporting more than art. It is supporting a creative vision, a talented and true friend, an iconic Little Italy and San Diego business, and a story that continues to evolve. I feel honored to be part of that journey.
Melissa's thoughtfully curated collection spans beloved series and singular moments of beauty. From the iconic Chanel series that greets guests at her threshold to the deeply personal Love Letters to San Diego pieces in her private spaces, each work serves as both art and memory. Here are some of the pieces that have found their home in Melissa's collection:
What makes Melissa's story so compelling isn't just the number of pieces she's collected—it's the intention behind each one. She doesn't simply buy art; she invites it into her life to mark moments, create conversations, and build a legacy of beauty and creativity for her family.
Her collection reminds us that art isn't meant to be precious or untouchable. It's meant to be lived with, passed by daily, and woven into the fabric of our everyday experiences. It's meant to spark curiosity in our children, bring joy to our routines, and serve as visual bookmarks for the seasons of our lives.
Thank you, Melissa, for sharing your story with us and for being such a thoughtful champion of Stefanie Bales Fine Art. Your collection is a testament to what happens when art meets intention—and when beauty becomes part of how we choose to live.
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