Downtown, 2022

Mira Vitarello  

Artist Statement:

As a young girl, drawing and painting were
my constant, offering me peace and an
avenue to express my loves. Presently, I paint
to connect with my surroundings, the people in my life, and to archive special
moments I have experienced.
Originally, I was influenced by the fluid realism of artists
such as Sargent, however as of late, I have found my own
style more closely aligns with the Impressionists. Although
I enjoy being influenced by what I see, I further enjoy communicating the
emotion and life in the scenes I choose to paint. Creating movement and energy
in my work, while striving to make paintings that reflect my emotional
reaction to the subject matter is my main intention. I paint because it brings
me joy, and because I believe God created me to paint.
Christine Medina Vitarello

Education:

BFA The Pratt Institute 1990-94
MFA The College of New Rochelle 1994-1999

Awards & Distinctions:

CPS 2018 “ Renaissance in Pastel 2018" “ Pastel Society of the West Coast Award"
Kent Art Association 2018 “ Members show 2" “ Frank Federico KAA Award of Excellence"
CPS “Purely Pastel 2018" Honor Award"
CPS “ Member's Exhibition" 2018 CPS Honorable Mention Award
Kent Art Association 2017 “ Fall Juried Show" “Award for excellence for Pastel"
Gallery 25 “ Open Show" 2018 “Best Pastel/Mixed Media"
Kent Art Association “ Fall Juried Show" 2018 “Award for Pastel"
CPS “ Renaissance in Pastel" 2017 UART Sanded Pastel Paper Award
PSA “ Enduring Brilliance"2016
CPS “ Renaissance in Pastel"1016
PPSCC “ For Pastels only on Cape Code" 2016 Jack Ahlin Award
CPS “Members Show" 2016 “Honorable Mention"
Pelham Manor Club “One woman show" 2016
The Investors Center “ One woman show" 2017
PPOM “Pastels Only" 2015
CPS Pastel Brilliance 2014
CPS “Member's Show" 2014 “ Alain Picard Award
CPS “Member's Show 2013 “ Honorable Mention"

Exhibitions:

Gregory James Gallery in New Milford, CT
The Old Lyme Art Academy, CT
The Arts Center in Vernon, CT
The Woman's Art Center in New Rochelle, NY
The Pastel Society of America, NY,NY
The Kent Art Association, Kent, Ct
The New Hampshire Pastel Society, Portsmouth,NH
The Pastel society of Maine, Portland, ME
The Connecticut Woman's Society, Vernon, CT
The Cultural Arts Center, Cape Cod, MA
The Slater Museum, Norwich, CT
Gallery 25, New Milford, CT
Art Gallery at UConn
Westchester Aesthetics Center
IAPS- International Association of Pastel Societies
Pastel Society of China, Suzhou China

Professional/Teaching Experience:

1996-Present Art Educator @ The Harrison Central School district, Harrison, NY

Artistic Influences:

Impressionism, John Singer Sargent.