Art gives me a voice—it allows me to express what words often can't and connect with the changes I hope to see in the world. Painting brings me joy, and through my work, I find deep, meaningful connections with others.

Lyssa Harvey

Lyssa Harvey, Ed.S., is a teacher, therapist, and artist whose lifelong dedication to healing and creativity has shaped every aspect of her career. Now retired after more than 30 years as a child and adolescent therapist and the founder of The Art and Play Therapy Center of South Carolina, Lyssa's therapeutic work has always paralleled her artistic journey.

She is best known for her South Carolina waterscapes; abstract and vibrant interpretations of the region’s wetlands and waterways, created in watercolor, acrylic, and mixed media. Her bold, soulful works capture the emotional depth of the natural world, while her Judaica pieces—rendered in luminous watercolor and gold ink—celebrate spirituality and tradition. Her art is held in private and public collections across the South.

Lyssa views artmaking as a joyful and spiritual process, a means of connection, expression, and renewal. She currently exhibits her work in galleries in Columbia and Charleston and is an award-winning Signature Member of the South Carolina Watermedia Society.      

Lyssa has previously shown art work:

  • City Art, Columbia, SC

  • The Picture Place, Columbia, SC

  • West End Interiors, Columbia, SC

  • The Art Mecca of Charleston, King St. Charleston, SC

  • 701 Center for Contemporary Arts Open Studio

  • Domain Interiors & Design, Mount Pleasant, SC

  • Mack Home, Trenholm Plaza, Columbia, SC

  • Tapps Art Center, Main St. Columbia, SC

  • Piccolo Spoleto, Charleston, SC