MDFERRERA

I have been creating art since childhood. Encouraged early by my (late) Artist Father, Richard Ferrera, I picked up my love of wood being his little assistant on home projects and his own art . Drawing became an outlet after his passing that developed while earning my Bachelors Degree in Fine Art at Montclair State University (NJ). During and after college I strived to work in various creative fields; Photography (school, wedding, and portrait), graphic design,  custom mural painting, marketing/advertising, all providing the education, experience, and tools needed to take my art to the next step.  In 2010 I drove across the country to start my full time art business in Southern California.    

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After some early lessons in the LA scene, I ultimately landed in San Diego to a warm welcome. Groups and galleries like RAW:Natural Born Artists, Thumbprint Gallery, and Sparks Gallery were some of the first few essential to my exposure. In recent years my fine art series has been juried, exhibited, and published on local, national, and international platforms including; The Studio Door's 50 to Watch, Artist Talk Magazine, Juniper Rag Gallery (MA), and All She Makes. It has been an honor to be recognized with drawing awards in years past, (most notably the Juror's award at 2018's Art San Diego). Receiving 2020's Business of Art Scholarship created opportunity (a solo exhibition and a booth at 2021's Mission Fed ArtWalk Little Italy), marketing/promotion assistance, and most importantly encouragement and support during the height of the pandemic. 

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As an artist whose work stems from journaling, creating and self-publishing, non-fiction books has felt like a natural progression of my journey and mission. I'm currently working on my seventh self-publication. To preview or purchase my books or the children's book illustrated in 2021, click here.

 

In between series and custom art and projects, my family and I stumbled into a community mural being painted by the Imperial Beach Arts Bureau and made our first paint marks on the Flamingo Trail, Bayshore Bike path. I started painting murals again with IBAB's help. In early 2022, I began volunteering with the group and is one of three members to partner with the Library to form the first Art Committee. To learn more about local art and mural opportunities, volunteering, or donating to IBAB, view their website: IBAB

 

As a female artist and mother to a young girl, I've felt a pull to stay up to date and active with local and state organizations like IBAB, ArtReachSD and California for the Arts to further advocate for arts education and resources. The arts are essential to our mental health and future as humans, in the fast changing world we live in. Through my own art I hope to shine a light on creative outlets that encourage raw and honest, self-introspection and communication. Follow me on instagram for up to date art, works in progress, exhibits, and events @mdferrera

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