Ashley Menith is a registered nurse, medical writer, and fine artist who is embracing the second half of her life to its fullest. By day, she writes compelling appeals to help patients and providers access the medical coverage they need. By night, she creates impressionist paintings from her studio at The Scarab Club of Detroit. She finds joy in seeing her work collected, loved, and admired by others. A thoughtful and altruistic creative, Ashley brings both care and passion to everything she does.
“Community for me means being a resource, using my strengths for others.”
Whether she’s advocating for patients through her work as a medical writer or creating art that brings beauty and joy into people’s homes, she believes in showing up with what she has to offer. Her community approach is rooted in generosity, authenticity, and the belief that everyone has something meaningful to contribute.
As she looks toward the future, Ashley is pursuing grants that would allow her to dedicate herself to her art full-time. Her goal is to continue building a body of work that reflects who she is and the life she’s lived. her legacy will be the artwork she leaves behind. she hopes her paintings will hold meaning for the people who collect them, and bring a sense of joy and uplift to the spaces they inhabit.
Every month, Ashley features a local artist in her home for a home-cooked meal prepared by her and her husband. Ten art collectors purchase tickets, while the artist creates 10 new works to share. The experience gives artists exposure and connects them with new collectors. As Ashley says, “It has brought so much happiness to my husband’s and my life.”
How has being a member at basblue impacted you?
I feel welcomed and valued. There is something incredibly special about walking through the doors and being greeted by name, with huge smiles, by people who are truly happy to see me. That sense of belonging matters.
BasBlue has become part of my professional life as well. I hold business meetings there, connect with people, exchange ideas, and build relationships. And as an artist, there is something deeply meaningful about being able to exhibit my work in a space where I already feel such a strong sense of community.
