Welcome to Paint Pour Academy! I’m Erika Tenney, your instructor, and fellow art enthusiast. My journey with art began at a young age, inspired by my grandmother, a professional oil painting artist. She introduced my sister and me to the world of drawing through her classes. While I admired her talent and passion, I soon realized that traditional drawing and painting weren’t my calling.
My artistic journey took a new direction when I discovered mixed-media art through scrapbooking during my children’s early years. In 2017, I stumbled upon acrylic pouring and was instantly captivated by its unpredictable nature and the joy of experimentation. I was hooked!
In 2018, I founded Desert Hippie, a family-based business, right at our kitchen table. What started as a fun, creative outlet quickly grew into selling my artwork at outdoor events and to friends. The positive response inspired me to offer in-person classes, helping others create their own beautiful masterpieces. These classes were a huge success but were limited to my hometown of Tucson, AZ.
In 2022, I expanded to online courses and created the Paint Pour Academy to reach more aspiring artists. This expansion has allowed me to share a wealth of information and techniques, including Resin Art and creative gift ideas. I’m excited to guide you on your artistic journey and can’t wait to see the amazing art you’ll create!

Collaborations & Publications
- How to Color and Dye Resin: Step-by-Step Tutorial (Video), written by Erika Tenney for AcrylicPouring.com, May 2020
- Acrylic Paint Pouring Techniques – Level 1: The Basics: A beginner’s step-by-step instruction guide for fluid art technique, written by Erika Tenney, July 2022
- Fall Holiday Home Decor: Resin Glass Vase and Matching Resin Tray, written by Erika Tenney for the Fluid Art Magazine, November 2022 issue
- OneDaySaving.com: Content and videos created using resin molds
- Ongoing Artist Spotlight Collaboration at the Paint Pour Academy
Visit Erika’s Art Displays in Tucson, AZ
- GMT Stoneworks (by appointment) (520)990-6830: Art displayed in the office hallway (2019 – present)
- The Peddler’s Passage, 6429 N. Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ, 85704 (520)222-7303: Founding Member, art displayed on floor fixture and on walls (July 2026 – present)
Past Art Displays
- Monsoons Tap & Grill, 6781 N. Thornydale Rd, Tucson, AZ, 85741 (520)219-0301: Bartop Renovation (2020 until they closed in 2024)
- Infinite Prism Body Piercing, 4265 E. Broadway Blvd Suite 200, Tucson, AZ, 85711 (520)261-0023: Art displayed throughout the studio (2023-2024)
Past Fairs and Events
- Beads of Courage Art Market, February 2019
- Made in Tucson Art Market, May 2019
- Made in Tucson Art Market (Virtual), May 2020
- Foothills Happy Hour Market, September 2021
- Foothills Happy Hour Market, December 2021
- Made in Tucson Art Market, November 2022
- Made in Tucson Art Market, March 2022
- Made in Tucson Art Market, March 2023
- Made in Tucson Art Market, March 2024
- Holiday Market hosted by Alo Goods November 2024
- Community Garage Sale Market December 2024
- Pop-Up Event at Michaels Arts & Crafts January 2025
- Pop-Up Event at Michaels Arts & Crafts February 2025
- The People’s Artist competition, placed 7th May 2026
- Founding Member of the Peddler’s Passage indoor market July 2026
