As a first generation immigrant and the oldest of seven my connections to the Italian history and countryside are in my blood. My mother was born in Colle de Compito, a village outside of Lucca, and my father was born in Qurata, a village outside Arezzo, both in Tuscany. My parents were farmers. They both came to Chicago after World War II and made certain we never forget where we came from. On frequent trips to Florence I developed a love for art, architecture, and gelato as I wandered through Centro. The distinction between the uniform rows of brown bungalows in Chicago and the magic of the pink and green facade of the Duomo was a revelation. There were many moments on those trips but something shifted in me upon seeing the Death of St. Francis, a fresco by Giotto di Bondone in the Basilica di Santa Croce. It was as if Giotto opened a door for me to walk through.

Back in Chicago I studied painting and drawing at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago where I often roamed the galleries studying the works of my favorite artist, Arshile Gorky as well as the works of Wassily Kandinsky, Arthur Dove and Georgia O’keeffe. My studies with Ray Yoshida, Karl Wirsum and Frank Piatek led to an appreciation of the work of the Chicago Imagists which influenced my style. In my final year, I had the privilege of working on Judy Chicago’s installation of The Dinner Party. From this experience I learned about art as a social and political act which stood in stark contrast to what I was learning in the classroom which was that art is an internal journey. This lesson would prove to serve me well later in my growth as an artist.

After earning my BFA, I continued to paint. Life took me in many creative directions. I worked as a photo stylist, a production artist in advertising, an educational book designer, and a Genius at the Apple store. While working I became involved with the Bucktown Arts Fest and found myself applying the lessons I’d learned from Judy Chicago. Here I was instrumental in its early success as a viable, high quality event. I developed and sponsored art programing in the community. Through social and political actions I developed relationships with all types of artists and creatives, fostered alliances with City bureaucrats, and cultivated thriving neighborhood support. The festival is still vibrant today.

During the pandemic I started drawing again and slowly began finding my way back to my own creative practice. I finished a Masters of Education, Adults. My final project was a class “The garden as Inspiration” at the Wicker Park Gardens. It was well received and has grown into a three-part series including- en plein air, collage, watercolor and drawing. Teaching is deeply satisfying and I enjoy having many returning students

For the past couple of years I’ve been selling my small drawings at the Bucktown Arts Fest and am encouraged by the interest and sales.I am excited to be back at work in my studio… drawing, painting, and more. My aim is to cultivate new ideas and produce work that speaks and responds to our world.