Pamela Olin and Hallela Hall: Achieving the Art of a Successful Life
by Sandy Chase
Sandy Chase is a writer, poet, mentor, and avid nonprofit volunteer. In the contributed article below, she writes about the growth of the Mentoring Program at the Education Foundation of Sarasota County.
Hallela Hall’s mentor, Pamela Olin, continues to help Education Foundation of Sarasota County paint a better life for our community’s next generation. Both artists, mentor and mentee, were an instant match, according to Resiliency Success Coach, Riverview High School Mentoring Manager Maria Guardado.
Pamela agrees with Maria, saying, “I have the experience and perspective to offer Hallela a glimpse of things to come so she can recognize opportunities when they arise and have the courage and self-confidence to act.”
Pamela affirms that this match was meant to be:
As professional artists, we have a responsibility to those
who are joining us to help them along their path. I can see
that the skills that are necessary to function as a creative
individual in the working world are not necessarily
being taught in schools, certainly not in high school.
Maria says, “Helping Hallela showcase her artwork in one of Pamela’s gallery displays is meaningful for a student at her age.”
While her time with Foundation has been recent, Pamela brings more than 30 years’ experience mentoring others, including mentees, apprentices, and interns. “All have learned things outside their comfort zone. Many have learned things in shared experiences that have tightened up a team in ways nothing else could do.”
Pamela learned about Education Foundation as a member of the National League of American Pen Women, an organization for professional artists, writers, and musicians, where Wilma Davidson, president of the Sarasota chapter, told her about the mentoring program.
An artist and designer for nearly 45 years, Pamela lives by her tagline: “Stay Curious.” She believes that simple provocation leads to unlimited discovery.
Wanting to get her art to a level of professionalism to sell and increase her audience, Hallela became involved with Education Foundation, having learned from her Sarasota High School photography teacher, Mrs. Debra Markley, that there was a mentoring program. “We decided it would be best to reach out. Mrs. Markley helped me set up my account.”
Since working with Pamela, Hallela is grateful for her mentor’s encouragement and patience, boosting her confidence:
“It’s important to find someone you click with. If that hadn’t be the case, I would shy away from wanting to explore. I’m grateful that I was paired with Pamela. Anyone she assists is very fortunate.”
Hallela’s recent art show—made possible by Pamela—features her mentee’s photography of motorcycles, cars, wildlife, and plants framed properly, thanks to donations from Debra.
Hallela says, “When Pamela had asked me to be a part of her show, I was thrilled— wanting to start working on my art and thinking of ideas instantly.
Mentor and mentee enthusiasm resonates with Maria: as to how this natural connection strengthens Education Foundation:
The power of intentional matching and aligning shared
passions can create immediate impact. It also demonstrates
how our mentors go beyond guidance, open doors, provide
real-world opportunities, and help students see what’s
possible for their future.
Stories like Hallela’s and Pamela’s bring our mission to life, showing the community, our partners, and future mentors the true value of the Education Foundation program, while also building credibility and momentum for our organization. This kind of success affects not only one student but inspires continued involvement and investment in the work we do.
Pamela and Hallela look forward to their meetings, especially related to learning more about art and exhibit preparation.
Pamela says:
The beauty and fun of creative endeavors is that they are always
different. We’ve been prepping for this show, learning about
all non-art responsibilities like price cards, bios, and framing.
Hallela was responsible for writing her artist blurb and price
cards. Time management was a challenge, as is evidenced by
the handwritten price cards, but that’s all part of this process.
Hallela is enthusiastic.
Hallela appreciates Pamela’s teaching her to prioritize schoolwork over art. “I tend to get hyper-focused on art, leading me to ignore my school responsibilities. She has helped me manage my time by helping me set deadlines for required assignments and completed art pieces.”
Besides time management, Pamela hopes she’s instilling a lack of fear to try new things, have the courage to continue putting herself out there, and being able to pause and listen before formulating a response.
Pamela reflects:
We had a nice moment when we were hanging her pieces at the
Gallery: a gorgeous orchid photo and a beautiful photo of a
motorcycle. I looked at both pieces and saw not just the
same color palette but also the same shapes, the curve of a petal
that matched the curve of a wheel, even the petal/pedal similarity.
When I shared my description, Hallela was blown away because
she had never seen it that way. It’s amazing what fresh eyes can see
when people look at your work.
Hallela laughed, saying, “These are my two favorite things. I know they’re so different but I love them both.” 
Learning from each other is another strength that this team shares:
Pamela says:
I have learned it’s harder for me to grow up than I expected!
My natural tendency is to think of everyone as a potential friend,
not always paying attention to age differences, which isn’t most
appropriate in my mentor role. I’m aware that in this relationship,
I’m expected to “be the adult,” so words count. I can’t be flippant.
As we get excited about things we are doing together, whether it’s
going to the glass school or preparing for a show, I have to ensure
that I maintain boundaries so that my advice and conversations
clearly come from someone who knows more.
An added benefit is having met Hallela’s mom, Crystal, at the
art opening. She’s delightful and very supportive.
Hallela says Pamela’s patience is key, motivating me to continue creating my art:
Even when I don’t know where to go with my art, she patiently
listens to my interests, giving me space to flow and work with
any forms of art.
Hallela (right) with Sarasota School of Glass owner, Rachel
I particularly enjoy clay because I’ve practiced with it for years. But I’m open to whatever Pamela shares with me.
She has taught me how to sell my art, helping me get it out
into the community. Pamela has helped me get a second job
working at Sarasota School Of Glass, where I create slip
casting molds that are fired and then sold to glass companies.
My first job is working at Old Salty Dog as a hostess and busser.
Pamela encourages prospective mentors to DO IT:
You will learn more about yourself and how other people think
differently from you. You will be uncomfortable and learn how
to deal with asking hard questions, always a good skill!
But best of all, you will connect with a young person who will
open your eyes and stretch your patience and show you how
you can make a difference in another person’s life. It’s a
wonderful way to share your skills and enthusiasm and
shepherd the next generation into a positive life.
(Read more about Pamela at https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelaolin/. )
Pamela is encouraged that this show is the first of many for Hallela. “We’ll take it down Sunday April 26th and host a “Last Call” reception Thursday April 16th from 5-7pm. Education Foundation mentors/mentees are invited.”
Great experiences are on the horizon: Pamela also sees a need to mentor a small group of art-passionate juniors and seniors.
By reinforcing the Foundation’s mission, Pamela and Hallela continue to paint success for generations to come.