Every month we are open, there is an Artist of the Month where their art is featured in a section of the Gallery. You can get to know a little more about an artist with more of their work together in one place.
This month’s Artist is Marcelina Seda. Congratulation’s Marcelina!
I was born in Puerto Rico in a humble house in the country near a coffee plantation. I’m the youngest of 9 siblings. I have 4 more siblings from the previous marriage of both my parents. My mother was a homemaker and my father a coffee grower.
Since childhood, I enjoy drawing and painting. My mother was my first inspiration. She was an entrepreneur. I remember her creating her own designs to make cross stich and embroidery to earn some money. Although she didn’t paint, she encouraged and supported my passion for drawing and painting. During childhood, at school, I secretly draw beautiful themes of the season on my teachers boards. I always showed my talent in my school homework papers and in group projects. My teachers encouraged me to continue practicing my talent. My mother and teachers encouragement motivated me to participate in contests. I received a few honorable mentions.
I graduated from high school and continue my education obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Art Education at the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico. I worked in the public and private sector for a few years. Then I moved to Arkansas. I went to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. I obtained a Master Degree in Education Specialized in the Hearing Impaired, a profession that I enjoy because I could help people in the community. After graduation I was offered a job and moved to West palm Beach, Florida. I love to give back to the community so in my free time I continue teaching and using my talent drawing and painting to children and adults. After 6 years, I developed health issues and went back as a substitute teacher. I participated in community events, drawing and painting. most of my arts I gave as a gift. I created religious art for plays and other projects for nonprofit organizations.
One day my daughter took me to visit, this beautiful town of LaBelle. It was love at first sight. I decided at that time I will retire in this enchanted town. I love the people, historic places and it’s nature. Fourteen years later, I moved to LaBelle. It is a dream come true. To give back to the Hendry County community I created a welcoming art mural for one of the churches in Clewiston, which I enjoy the process of creation as I included characteristics of my family.
My favorite medium is oil as it is forgiving. Acrylic is my second choice because it’s vibrant colors and because it dries faster, but I often use pencil and colored pencils because it is easy to carry with me when I travel. I use charcoal just once in a while because it is too messy. I love textures, the challenge to use other mediums, materials and other techniques. Also I try other themes that are different from the ones usually inspired me. My art it is inspired by nature. I love to make people and animal portraits. Almost in each of my arts I left a message and things to be discovered by the viewer. I was honored to receive a second place in a colored pencils drawing of my mother at the Art Gala and Show at the Arts of the Inland gallery, which I am a member. I invite you to visit the Gallery Gift Shop there, I have littler arts and crafts that you can enjoy. Thank You for letting me share my talent with you.
MSeda
The Gallery is now open Thursday’s thru Sunday’s from 1:00pm til 5:00pm. Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday, Closed.