My name is Isabella Balbi, I'm twenty-seven years old and born and raised in the Bronx. I've been painting and drawing for the last decade, pursuing digital and visual art through higher education. My favorite part about art making is how magical it feels to make something out of nothing. I work as a College Assistant, creating art with young adults and have previous experience working with children through non profit organizations.

I'm on my way to graduate school this Fall so I can earn my MFA and begin a career in teaching students. My personal practice as an artist includes a lot of meditative processes and mindfulness activities. When I introduce art to students of all ages, I find they respond better to the projects when they are calm and grounded. I believe art teachers have an important role to play in guiding people through self expression and routines that keep artists self aware, like meditation, are important.

I work across varying mediums and I encourage students to follow their curiosity in whichever endeavors allow them to feel excited, present, and motivated. Currently I have my hand in music, ceramics, and printmaking for upcoming collaborative projects. I believe versatility helps students diversify their pallet so they can be open to more experiences with other creative people.

My mother's been a school teacher for almost two decades. I feel it's been a natural transition for me to become an instructor as well.