Check Out Amy Mitchell’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Mitchell.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started? 
My journey began on April 5th, 2020, when we officially announced the Museum of Make Believe. Although I want to share a bit about myself, let me first share with you how the Museum of Make Believe came into existence. 

Growing up in the Deep South’s Gulf Coast, my husband, Geoff Mitchell, was immersed in a culture rich with storytelling. On sweltering summer days, it was customary to gather and share local legends, tall tales, and ghost stories. These narratives fueled Geoff’s imagination, inspiring his diverse body of visual art, which includes miniatures, paintings, music, short films, storybooks, and more. 

Growing up in the Deep South’s Gulf Coast, my husband, Geoff Mitchell, was immersed in a culture rich with storytelling. On sweltering summer days, it was customary to gather and share local legends, tall tales, and ghost stories. These narratives fueled Geoff’s imagination, inspiring his diverse body of visual art, which includes miniatures, paintings, music, short films, storybooks, and more. What Geoff loves most about creating art is its ability to carry on the tradition of storytelling, bringing extraordinary tales to life. Inspired by this, Geoff and I worked together to create the Museum of Make Believe as a sanctuary to preserve this cherished tradition.

The Museum of Make Believe is more than just a an art space—it’s a celebration of imagination, creativity, and the timeless art of storytelling. We invite you to join us on this magical journey as we bring our shared vision to life! 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Together, Geoff and I dreamed of finding a team of visionaries that worked with us to create an immersive art experience that would transport visitors to realms of wonder and enchantment. 

However, we first had to raise the funds for this venture, and that road has definitely been bumpy! After making about twenty percent of our campaign goal, we decided not to wait to raise the rest of the funds but to instead create something special within a tight budget in order to offer something to the public sooner. In Laguna Beach, we were able to find a quirky space right on the Pacific Coast Highway that could capture the essence of our vision—a place where art and storytelling intertwined to create a magical experience for all who entered. 

A perfect home for the unwavering belief in the power of art to transform lives. 

The work of modifying this vintage office space into a wonderland of creativity and imagination has certainly not been easy. But we are hopeful that at our upcoming grand opening on April 26th, guests will be pleasantly surprised by the enchanted forest that awaits them…feeling the creative touch in every tree branch, piece of moss climbing the walls, and piece of artwork that awaits them. 

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am most proud of the teamwork in the creation of the Museum of Make Believe and the upcoming exhibit, “Ghost Stories & Fairy Tales”. It is so incredible to see how ideas get bounced around and what comes of it. And everyone can contribute and add something new. We even had our handyman take one of the light canisters and flip it on its side, creating a moon. It was such a great idea that it really helped to transform the enchanted woods section of our exhibit. 

When we started working together, Geoff and I realized that there is an intimate connection between storytelling and visual expression. Artists often draw inspiration from literature, folklore, mythology, personal experiences, and collective memories to craft their works. They delve deep into the heart of a story, exploring its nuances and intricacies, and then reinterpret it through their unique artistic lens. So, it made sense to then create stories inspired by visual art. I am so impressed by the creative talent of our artists that it has been an honor to be our storyteller. 

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Here’s a surprising fact about me: I’ve always had a deep love and fascination for animals, seeing them not just as creatures of this world but as magical beings that hold a special kind of wisdom and wonder. Throughout my life, I’ve been fortunate enough to form incredible connections with some of nature’s most extraordinary creatures. 

From the graceful dolphins, I had the privilege of working with in high school to the mysterious owls that had graced my presence on the moonlit nights (including one named Pumpkin I used to work with when I was a zoo intern), each encounter has left an indelible mark on my soul. I’ve marveled at the elegance of snakes, witnessing firsthand their graceful movements and quiet strength, and I’ve been captivated by the mesmerizing intelligence of the octopus, a creature so otherworldly in its abilities…including the one I had as a pet many years ago. 

And then there are my dear dog and cat companions, who have been fiercely loyal with their unwavering companionship and have brought immeasurable joy into my life. Together, we’ve embarked on countless adventures, forging a bond that transcends words. 

Through these extraordinary experiences, I’ve come to realize that animals are not just mere beings existing alongside us—they are guardians of secrets, keepers of ancient wisdom, and messengers of magic. They remind us of the interconnectedness of all living things and the infinite possibilities that lie within the natural world. 

So, if you ever catch me lost in reverie, gazing into the eyes of a creature, great or small, know that I am not just admiring their physical form but communing with the very essence of magic itself. 

Pricing:

• $5-$10 The Dragon Keeper’s Adventure – includes entry to the experience and the treasures inside a golden dragon’s egg, including an exquisite gemstone and fortune prize.
• $10-$20 The Treasure Hunter’s Adventure – includes entry to the experience, an enchanted dragon’s egg, and a treasure hunter’s map to complete throughout your visit. Every treasure hunter will win a special collectible prize!
• $30-$40 includes entry to the experience, all elements of the Dragon Keeper and Treasure Hunter experiences, and a “Ghost Stories & Fairy Tales” hardcover storybook from the Museum of Make-Believe.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.museumofmakebelieve.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/museumofmakebelieve/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MuseumofMakeBelieve
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKmZL1A51iRyHKjo6fvEI2g
• Order Your Tickets: We hope you come out to visit us soon!  Find our ticket pricing below and reserve your spot at https://feverup.com/m/160158.