The Lookout Print

Dino Mehaffie is an extraordinary artist and only in the days of the old masters does one fine such incredible diversity. His ability to paint in every medium and his bronze sculptures confirm his title as the “Renaissance Man.” Dino was raised in the Chicago area where art was and is still an integral part of the society. During his early years, his teachers began to notice an exceptional artistic talent, and it was then he was deemed a prodigy. He double promoted from 5th grade to the 7th in one school year. One teacher, in particular, made it her mission to get his talent recognized and subsequently was awarded a full scholarship to the Art Institute of Chicago at the age of fourteen. But, as fate would have it, he was not able to attend for long. When he was sixteen years old, the family moved to the Los Angeles area. He was extremely disappointed to leave the Institute, but vowed to finish his program of study as soon as he could. Times were hard in those days, and he found himself, like everyone else, having to go to work to help take care of the family instead of continuing his art education. After many years of working as a landscape designer and building contractor, he was finally able to resume his formal art training at the Laguna Beach Art Institute of Southern California. Over the past decade, Dino has enjoyed the challenges of his new career as a professional painter and sculptor and considers himself to be truly blessed to finally be able to do what he loves most. In the last few years, he has added teacher to his resume. He teaches art at Safe Harbor Treatment Centers for Women in Costa Mesa, California. He was extremely reluctant to take on this challenge, but from the very first day, he has thoroughly enjoyed the process and his life has been changed dramatically for the better. He is enormously grateful for this opportunity to be of service, and hopes his dedication to their recovery will aid them in some way as they leave the facility and venture forth in their newfound sobriety.