Paula DeStefanis
Contemporary Art
About Paula
Image courtesy of Stephanie Bartz Photography
Bio
Paula DeStefanis is an American artist known for her intricate abstract paintings. Utilizing both acrylic and oil, she skillfully employs techniques of repetition and layering to explore themes of time, duration, and transformation. Her creative process fosters a comprehensive examination of concepts from multiple perspectives. By layering paint—often employing unconventional tools and frequently scraping away to unveil underlying layers—her work celebrates the tactile and emotional dimensions of each medium.
Recently, Paula retired from her roles at the North Shore Academy of the Arts and the Arts Mill, where she was a vibrant part of the arts community. As the Founder and Director, she spearheaded art and educational programs for both institutions, along with curating and managing exhibitions.
With over 35 years of experience as a practicing artist, Paula splits her time between her studios in the US and the UK. Her artwork is displayed in galleries across the Midwest, as well as in corporate and private collections worldwide.
Feel free to get in touch. She is always curious about new and interesting projects.
Artist Statement
My art celebrates the blend of past and present, the imagined and the tangible, the lost and the enduring. I am fascinated by the physical transformation and evidence of time passing. Particularly intriguing are the patinas that form where architectural structures meet atmospheric effects, showcasing a history of changing colors and mark-making. These surfaces, whether intentionally created or naturally evolved, resonate visually and poetically in my paintings.
Ancestral influences play a significant role in my art, with a deep admiration for the textured history of Italy. My travels to Italy exposed me to a rich tapestry of imagery where ancient artworks intertwine with contemporary street culture. This fusion of past and present, memory and invention, continues to shape my artistic perspective. While the weathered walls and fading frescoes of Italy inspire me, everyday urban scenes also hold artistic influence. With a lifelong dedication to the arts, I find myself drawn to exploring the concept of age in culture and the arts.
Embracing the philosophy of "paint for paint’s sake," I emphasize the unique qualities of each medium while incorporating images and textures that resonate with me. In my acrylic works, I draw inspiration from daily experiences, infusing each canvas with multi-layered geometric compositions. When working with oils, I am captivated by the aged patinas and decay of surfaces.
My ultimate aim is to create art that sparks engaging, enlightening, and enriching conversations with the viewer.
Galleries
Woodwalk Gallery, Egg Harbor, WI
Woodland Studio Gallery, Stoughton, WI
Pink Llama Gallery, Cedarburg, WI Arts Mill, Grafton, WI
Residencies
2024ArtServancy,PortWashington,WI
2023 Château d’Orquevaux, Orquevaux, France
Selected Interviews & Publications
Artsy Shark: Featured Artist
Authentic Obsessions: Creating
Authentic Obsessions: European Travel
Woodview Mural: 2022 Mural
2023
Beyond Words Literary Magazine, Berlin, Germany
2022
Art Folio 2022, Texas
Beyond Words Literary Magazine, Berlin, Germany
2021
Beyond Words Literary Magazine, Berlin, Germany
2020
Beyond Words Literary Magazine, Berlin, Germany
Alchemy Literary Magazine, Portland, Oregon
The Good, The Bad and the Beautiful, IG Live Interview, Paris, France
Oncata Talent Agency, FB Live Interview, Milwaukee WI
Authentic Obsessions – Podcast Interview, ITunes
Artsy Shark – Featured Artist Interview
2018
Artistic Profile – The Baron, Ozaukee County Magazine
Curriculum Vitae
EDUCATION
Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design, BFA
The Museum School, Boston
SHOWS AND INSTALLATIONS
2024 34th Annual Midwest Seasons, Center for Visual Arts, Wausau, WI. The Art of Water, James May Gallery, Milwaukee WI
2023
36th Annual Northern Art Competition- Nicolet College, Rhinelander, WI From This Point Forward - MIAD Gallery at the Ave, Milwaukee, WI
2022
TMA Contemporary Exhibition - Trout Museum of Art, Appleton, WI Catch 22 - MARN, Milwaukee, WI Komatsu Gallery, Milwaukee, WI
2021
Abstract Visions - Woodwalk Gallery, Egg Harbor WI Color Candy - Art Bar, Milwaukee, WI
2020
Abstract National – Mark Arts, Mary R Koch Arts, Wichita, KS
Abstracts Matter – 311 Gallery, Raleigh NC
2019
Invitational Group Show – Re-Visions Gallery, Kenosha WI
Makers Market – James May Gallery, Algoma WI
Paula and Sara’s Playlist – The Arts Mill, Grafton WI
Polished – Scout Gallery, Milwaukee WI
Cedarburg Arts Guild – Fall Juried Show, Cedarburg WI
Artless Bastard – Dreams, DePere WI
Re-Visions Gallery – Inaugural Juried Exhibition, Kenosha WI
The Art of Water – James May Gallery, Algoma WI
2018
Pfister Holiday Market, Milwaukee WI
Guest Artist – artZ Gallery, Amery WI
The Modern Landscape – Redline, Milwaukee WI
Wall of Flowers – Gallery 224, Port Washington WI
Makers Fair – James May North, Algoma WI
Small Show – The Pink Llama, Cedarburg WI
Cedarburg Arts Guild – Fall Juried Show, Cedarburg WI
2017
Robertsbridge Art Exhibit, Robertsbridge, United Kingdom
Surfaces – Schlueter Art Gallery, Wisconsin Lutheran College, Milwaukee WI
Eclectic Meanderings – Oconomowoc Art Center, Oconomowoc WI
Group Show – Pfister Pop up Gallery, Milwaukee WI
Cedarburg Arts Guild – Fall Juried Show, Cedarburg WI
2016
Altered Images – Two Fish Gallery, Elkhart Lake WI
Architecture – The Pink Llama, Cedarburg WI
2015
Cedarburg Arts Guild – Fall Juried Show, Cedarburg WI
Brown Deer – Public Installation, Brown Deer WI
Grafton – Saxophone Banner Installation, Grafton WI
2014
Small Show – The Pink Llama, Cedarburg WI
Cedarburg Arts Guild – Fall Juried Show, Cedarburg WI
2013
Abstract II – Brickton Art Center, Chicago Il
Cedarburg Arts Guild – Fall Juried Show Cedarburg WI
2012
Grafton – Guitar Banner Installation, Grafton WI
Shorewood – Heart Sculpture Public Installation, Shorewood WI
Parallax Art Fair-Parallax London Exhibit Chelsea UK
Parallax Art Fair-Parallax Soho Exhibit Soho NY
WRAP – University of WI Madison, Madison WI
Abstraction – Brickton Art Center Chicago, Il
Drawing the Line – Gallery 224, Port Washington WI
Cedarburg Arts Guild – Fall Juried Show, Cedarburg WI
2011
MIAD – Alumni Show, Milwaukee WI
MARN Holiday Show, Milwaukee WI
Grafton – Rain Barrel Public Installation, Grafton WI
Group Show – Schauer Arts Center, Hartford WI
Cedarburg Arts Guild – Fall Juried Show, Cedarburg WI
Artibles – Milwaukee Resource Center, Milwaukee WI
2010
Cedarburg Arts Guild – Fall Juried Show, Cedarburg WI
Grafton – Dog Days of Summer Public Installation, Grafton WI
Breast Cancer Showcase Home, Milwaukee WI
2009
Cedarburg Arts Guild – Fall Juried Show, Cedarburg WI
Breast Cancer Showcase Home, Milwaukee WI
2008
Hang it up Gallery-Woman’s Show, Neenah WI
Breast Cancer Showcase Home, Milwaukee WI
Miniature Show – Cedarburg Cultural Center, Cedarburg WI
Cedarburg Arts Guild – Fall Juried Show, Cedarburg WI
Oshkosh Fine Art Association Show, Oshkosh WI
2007
Breast Cancer Showcase Home, Milwaukee WI
Oshkosh Fine Art Association Show, Oshkosh WI
2006
Breast Cancer Showcase Home, Milwaukee WI
Madison Art Square, Madison WI
Green Bay – Public Installation, Green Bay WI
Oshkosh Fine Art Association Show, Oshkosh WI
2005
You Gotta Have Art – Cedarburg Cultural Center, Cedarburg WI
Cedarburg Arts Guild – Fall Juried Show, Cedarburg WI
Artpost – Blackbird Show, Grafton WI
Racine Downtown Association-Public Installation, Racine WI
Downers Grove Art Association, Downers Grove IL
A Gift by Hand – Phipps Center for the Arts, Hudson WI
2004
Racine Downtown Association-Public Installation, Racine WI
Audubon Art Fair, Bayside, WI Merit Award recipient
A Gift by Hand – Phipps Center for the Arts, Hudson WI
Cedarburg Arts Guild – Fall Juried Show, Cedarburg WI
Juried Group Exhibition, Grafton WI-Juried Exhibit, Grafton WI
2003
Blues – Artpost, Grafton WI
2000-2018
Harvest Fest, Cedarburg WI
Strawberry Fest, Cedarburg WI
GALLERIES
The Arts Mill, Grafton, WI
Cedarburg Art Museum Cedarburg, WI
The Cooperativa, Milwaukee, WI
Fine Art Montage, Menomonee Falls, WI
Gallery of WI Art, West Bend, WI
The Gift Itself, Greenbay, WI
Gift Shop, Museum of WI Art, West Bend, WI
Pink Llama Gallery, Cedarburg WI
Woodwalk Gallery, Egg Habor WI
CORPORATE COLLECTIONS
Montage Corporation, Milwaukee, WI
Richards Elementary School, Whitefish Bay, WI
Bayshore Town Center, Glendale WI
Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design, Milwaukee, WI
Thorsen School, Cedarburg, WI
Ventique London, England
IHB Limited, Kent, England
AWARDS & GRANTS
2023 Denis Diderot [A-i-R] Grant, France 2023 Recipient of the Mary Nohl Suitcase Fund, Milwaukee, WI 2019 Honorable Mention - Little Show, Cedarburg Cultural Center, Cedarburg, WI
2019 Honorable Mention – Inaugural Juried Exhibition, Kenosha WI
2017 Recipient of the Mary Nohl Suitcase Fund, Milwaukee WI
2017 Merit Award Best of Show – Ozaukee County Art Show, Cedarburg WI
2016 Best of Show – Cedarburg Arts Guild, Cedarburg, WI
2015 Merit Award Best of Show – Ozaukee County Art Show, Cedarburg WI
2012 Recipient of the Mary Nohl Suitcase Fund to bring art to Soho New York, Milwaukee WI
2012 Merit Award Best of Show – Ozaukee County Art Show, Cedarburg WI
2011 Merit Award Best of Show – Ozaukee County Art Show, Cedarburg WI
2006 Voted among the most influential in the Milwaukee Art Scene by Journal Sentinel Online
2002 Merit Award Best of Show- Audubon Art Show, Bayside WI
ARTIST IN RESIDENCE
2024 Kewauskum Middle School, Kewauskum, WI 2022 Woodview Elementary, Grafton, WI 2019 University School, River Hills, WI
2017 Parkview Elementary, Cedarburg, WI
2014 Richards School, Whitefish Bay, WI 2013 Brandon School, Brandon, WI
2012 Westlawn, Cedarburg, WI
2011 University School, River Hills, WI
2010 Deerfield School, Oak Creek WI
2009 Thoreson Elementary School, Cedarburg WI
LECTURES
2018 Lecture – Schlueter Art Gallery, WI Lutheran College, Milwaukee, WI
2014 Lecture, Milwaukee WI
Copyright © 2024 Paula DeStefanis - All Rights Reserved