Where it begins…
I am first generation Portuguese-American, and Massachusetts is my home state. In 1947, my parents, Jose and Maria Ponte, left their home on the island of Saint Michael, Azores, Portugal and moved to the USA to build a better life for our family. To this day, I am amazed by their courage.
My Art Journey …
As a child, I loved art and learned to draw early and often. My childhood was centered around our extended Portuguese family life and community activities. As I remember it, my childhood was filled with lots of relatives, food, and community “festas”. After growing up in East Cambridge and East Arlington, I attended and graduated from the New England School of Art & Design in Boston, MA, and through the lense of art & design, I discovered a love of learning. In art school, my design skills were further refined while I trained to be a creative problem-solver.
During my commercial art & design career, I was blessed to work in increasingly responsible roles, as a Graphic Designer, Senior Designer, Art Director, and Creative Director. While raising our family of 3 young children in Wrentham, MA, my husband and I founded the Ponte Saia Group, a Design & Marketing Communications business where we served both regional and national clients.
In the meanwhile, I went back to school to complete my Bachelor in Fine Arts, at NESAD@Suffolk University and expanded my skill set into Web Design, Web Development, and User Experience Research and Design.
My journey began from a love of art and community. My interest in art & design allowed me to focus on using my creative skills to work doing what I enjoy most. Throughout my career, I have practiced creative problem-solving, and enjoyed the artistic journey of a life-long learner.
And now, I am hoping to be able to inspire and encourage students of all ages, to create their own artistic journey. Let’s get started!
See you in the Art Studio soon…
Join me at DPS Art Studio this summer. Classes will start in June 2024. Please take a minute to send in your application and registration forms and tell me about your art interests. Then we’ll find a place for you in the Art Studio to practice your type of creative.
40+
Years in Art & Design
Working on Freelance Projects, Contracts, Full-time and Part-time Design opportunities satisfied my desire for continuous learning and updating my knowledge and skillsets.
25+
Years in Graphic Design
Across the United States, on both East and West Coasts, ranging from Large Commercial Food Products Corporations, Design Studios and Sales & Marketing Agencies.
15+
Years in Web & Product Design
For Commercial Corporate Accounts,
Non-Profit Fundraising Organizations, US Government and International Utilities Businesses, and Small Businesses.