“Morning Song”
8” x 12”
Acrylic on Canvas
By Sherry El-Nashaar
I’ve been making art for over 20 years, and what keeps me coming back to the studio is the spirit of exploration. I work mostly with acrylic paint because it allows me to play—it’s fast-drying, versatile, and responsive. I love building up transparent layers, experimenting with texture and color, and seeing how an image slowly takes shape. Each piece feels like a conversation with the materials, where I never quite know where it will end up—and that’s the beauty of it.
My work varies in scale—from large, community-based murals that live out in the open to smaller, more intimate pieces on canvas. No matter the size, I try to bring the same energy: a sense of curiosity, a willingness to explore, and a deep love for color and movement.
Much of my current work centers around animal imagery—figures that I feel connected to and that serve as metaphors for different emotional landscapes. An octopus might represent resilience and adaptation. A bird in flight, the search for freedom or clarity. These animals often show up intuitively in my paintings, and over time, I’ve realized they help tell stories we all understand. In animals, we find our common ground. They allow us to touch something universal—love, pride, fear, hope, the instinct to protect, and the longing to be seen. I’m fascinated by how these creatures can carry meaning without words and how their presence can anchor both memory and emotion in a visual space.
Alongside my studio practice, I’ve spent the last 18 years teaching art to K–12 students. It’s one of the greatest joys of my life. There’s something incredible about watching a student light up when they see their vision come to life—when they realize they can express themselves in ways that words can’t capture. Their passion, their boldness, and their willingness to dive headfirst into creativity—it constantly inspires me in my own work. Sometimes, the most powerful reminder of why I create comes from watching a young artist discover that spark for the first time.
There is truly nothing like watching a piece of art come to life and getting to share in that excitement with others—whether it’s in a classroom, a gallery, or a bustling community event like our upcoming art fair. I’m honored to be a featured artist this year, and I’m excited to share my latest work. My hope is that people will slow down, look closely, and maybe feel a little of that same spark I try to nurture in my students—and in myself.
