My name is Lily Nesta and I am an oil painter who is deeply passionate about the craft.Through painting, I find a therapeutic release that helps me navigate the ups and downs of life. Currently, I am a student at Clarke University, where I have been able to develop my skills and learn more about the art world. My artwork is an exploration of the human experience, with a particular focus on themes of emotion, irony, and existentialism. I draw inspiration from a wide range of sources, including my own personal experiences, literature, and the natural world. 

In my art, I want to remind people of the fragility of life and the inevitability of death, but also to celebrate the beauty and wonder of the world that surrounds us. I hope my paintings can inspire others to take a closer look at the world and find something meaningful in the everyday.

Nestalily9@gmail.com


Dubuque,Iowa

Resume


Graduate Exhibition at the Quigley Gallery 

May 2024

1550 Clarke Dr. Dubuque Iowa


Emerging Artist exhibition at ArtHaus

April 2024-May 2024

107 W Broadway St, Decorah Iowa 


Solo exhibition at Planted 

July 2023- August 2023

245 w 1st. Dubuque Iowa


Part of Dubuque Museum of Art Biannual 

June 2023- October 2023

701 Locust St. Dubuque Iowa


Solo exhibition at Esther’s Lounge

September 2022- November 2022

101 Main st. Dubuque, Iowa



Publication in the thenth muse magazine 

May 2021, May 2022, May 2024

1550 Clarke Dr. Dubuque, Iowa



Easel Wars  

March 16th and 21st 2021

The Grand Opera House

135 W 8th st Dubuque, Iowa



Solo Exhibition at Conivium Urban Farmstead

January 2021-March 2021

2811 Jackson st Dubuque, Iowa


Education 

Bachelor's degree 

Clarke University 

August 2020- May 2024


Plein Air painting workshop

June 2023-July 2023


Associates of Science 

Northeast Iowa Community Colleges 

August 2019- May 2019


Community/Volunteer Work


Volunteer work for Plein Air exhibit set up

June 2023


Live painting for Dubuque Opera House fundraiser 

Participant in the Artist Wars and made it to semi-final

April 2022


Links 


https://clarke.edu/news/art-major-makes-connections-statewide/