“I want my paintings to be inspiring, uplifting, and evocative.“

Visual Artist Bio

Acrylic Keepsake Paintings by Toota:

I began drawing the first day I held a crayon in my hand. My mother would describe me as a young “wall artiste.” I lived with my parents in a two-family house in The Bronx. I experimented with the bare walls in my room as my very own blank canvas. My mother would tell the story of “how impressive these darling wall drawings were.” My parents redirected my talents from the walls by gifting me many oil paintings by number sets. I left the walls alone.

I attended the gifted arts class in middle school. Our whole curriculum was centered around art. My art teacher noticed my artistic gift. I actively participated in numerous school art shows, garnering awards and certificates in recognition of my achievements. My mentor, Miss Wolfson, the art teacher, helped me prepare an art portfolio. Passing the entrance test and presenting my portfolio got me accepted into the High School of Art & Design in NYC!

The education and training at the High School of A & D only fortified my talent. I continued my fine arts and illustration training throughout my college career at Lehman College, City University of New York. I enrolled in a two-year post-bachelor arts program at the Pels School of Arts in New York City. Pels was a competitive program that allowed me to combine my love for fine arts, advertising, and graphic arts. Upon graduation, I achieved the highest award in Advertising Design.

I have actively participated in a variety of craft shows across New Jersey, showcasing and selling my unique paintings. These events have allowed me to connect with a diverse audience, share my passion for creativity, and bring my artistic vision to life.

• 2016 Holiday Vendor and Craft Fair. Hackensack, NJ. Sponsored by: Bergen County Christian Academy PTF.
• 2017 Rose Day Festival. Franklin, NJ. Sponsored by: Somerset County Park Foundation.
• 2017 Town of Secaucus 7th Annual Green Festival. Secaucus, NJ. Sponsored by: Secaucus Xchange.
• 2017 13th Annual Rutherford Multicultural Festival. Rutherford, NJ. Sponsored by: NJ State Council on the Arts/dept. of State.
• 2017 Oradell Animal Hospital Community Appreciation Fair. Paramus, NJ. Sponsored by: Oradell Animal Hospital.
• 2018 Garden State Choral Chapter, Inc. 21st Annual Christian Women’s Conference.
• 2023 2nd Annual Back on the Block-Pop-Up Shop. Teaneck, NJ. Sponsored by: Be You Beauty.
• 2023 Juneteenth Holiday Vendor and Craft Fair. Sponsored by: Bergen County NAACP.

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