Lynn Merel received her B.A. from Roosevelt University.   She studied painting with a well-known Chicago artist, Ann Roman, for many years, in addition to taking many other art courses, most notably paper-making.   She enjoys creating designs, using hand-made paper and other items from many sources. Urban landscapes and Chicago architecture seem to stimulate her and influence her work, especially her paintings.

She has exhibited her paintings and mixed media at many art fairs and shows, as well as solo shows, over the last 35 years.   She has won a Purchase Award from the Illinois Education Association, and that painting is hanging in their building in Springfield, Illinois.   Her handmade cards and collages can be seen at the Illinois Artisans Shop at the Thompson Center in Chicago. Since retiring from teaching, she has become very involved in the Chicago Artists’ Coalition, to promote the work and improve conditions of Chicago artists, and is past chairman of the Board of this service organization.