Ann Arbor District Library, we’re creating space for storytelling, compassion, and inclusion. 💙
Join me for a special author event featuring A Tale of a Service Animal, a story inspired by the powerful bond between a service animal and their companion. We’ll be talking about kindness, disability inclusion, and the little ways we can all make the world more welcoming.
There will also be a coloring activity for families and young readers to enjoy. 🎨✨
📍 Malletts Creek Branch
📅 Thursday, July 16
⏰ Starts at 3 PM
The Malletts Creek Branch of the Ann Arbor District Library is located at 3090 East Eisenhower Parkway, Ann Arbor, MI 48108.
Thank you to @aadlgram for creating space for this story and mission. I can’t wait to see you there!
#DisabilityInclusion, #ServiceAnimal, #AnnArbor, #AADL, #ChildrensBooks
A Tale of a Service Animal is a children’s book that follows the real-life bond between a woman and her service dog, teaching kids about kindness, accessibility, and courage in everyday life. Through storytelling and coloring activities, young readers learn what service animals do and how to treat people with disabilities with respect and compassion. It’s a gentle, heartfelt introduction to empathy for children and families.
About Long Biography
Melissa DiVietri is an internationally exhibiting abstract artist, advocate, and technology builder from Michigan, widely known online as Blue Eye Queen Melissa was born with sacral agenesis—a rare congenital condition affecting the lower spine that impacts mobility. She has been painting since 5 years old and transforms lived experience into expressive abstraction.
With exhibitions across 38 active showcases worldwide, Melissa’s work has appeared through ArtPoint in France, Einsight in China, ArtPrize in Michigan, ETHDenver, NFT NYC and programs connected to the Detroit Institute of Arts. She has painted and exhibited across 38 countries, bringing her work from street galleries to international art collectives and global digital platforms.
DiVietri is a public speaker and author on important topics discussing disability etiquette. Her lived experiences have transformed into published books “A Tale of A Service Animal,” “The ABCs of Disability Etiquette” in Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Books&Books, Spotify, Amazon and other major retailers. With a memoir in the works, Melissa is constantly writing about advocacy on her social media channels and online blog. She’s developed educational curriculums that can be guided to teach youth and adults how to adapt to unique abilities.
Melissa has collaborated with leading organizations including Yuga Labs, TEDx, Google, Mazda, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi, reflecting her ability to operate at the intersection of art, technology, and cultural innovation. Her work has reached millions through social media, public speaking, and international exhibitions, positioning her as a recognized voice in disability advocacy and contemporary abstract art.
A graduate of Ferris State University with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering and a background in International Marketing and Graphic Communications, Melissa proudly represents her Michigan roots while building platforms that empower uniquely abled individuals and artists worldwide.
www.melissadivietri.com/connect
Socials @melissadivietri
