In this episode of Storytellers: Benicia Life, host Bernadette Hill sits down with Valerie Billings Swayne—a beloved Benicia artist whose murals, window art, and paint-and-sip events have become central to the creative pulse of the community.

Valerie’s story begins in Washington, where art was her first language long before she developed verbal skills. She went on to build a creative life that blends artistry, community, manifestation, and the courage to express yourself boldly. Her murals were even featured on HGTV, spotlighting her talent on a national stage.

Today, Valerie uses her gift to bring people together—proving that creativity not only colors walls, but also lives.

Topics in this episode:

• Growing up using art as communication

• Turning creative gifts into a community-centered business

• Manifesting a life rooted in joy and imagination

• Healing and expression through color

• Creativity as a path to simplicity

Connect with the Guest — Valerie Billings Swayne

Instagram (Art Account): https://instagram.com/draw_me_bitch_

Instagram (Paint & Sip): https://instagram.com/paintnpourdecisions

Facebook: https://facebook.com/valerie.fife

Connect with Savage Simplicity wherever you already are →

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@savagesimplicity

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@savagesimplicity

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/savage.simplicity.with.bernadette/

LinkedIn – Bernadette Hill: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernadettehill/

Savage Swag Shop: https://savageswag.printful.me/

Website / Community (Circle): https://circle.so/c/savagesimplicity

Keywords: artist, benicia california, muralist, creativity, manifestation, paint and sip, community art, storytelling, women creatives, bernadette hill podcast