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Congratulations to our 2010 featured artist
Andra Vargas-Mendoza!
Andrea Vargas-Mendoza has developed a style for fast drawing and illustrative paintings. Born and raised in the Bay Area of California, she was influenced by her environment. When Andrea was a girl she loved going to the Oakland Museum with her father, and walking to see the murals of the city. “After exhibits we would talk about the designs. Listening to each other was how we got to share conversations and discuss ideas.”
Andrea earned her bachelors degree from the University of California at Berkeley in 2003, after which, she began to travel. Andrea’s favorite illustration project to date was the making of the short animated film, “Dead Time Stories” with Burning Wagon Productions. Now, she shares her work locally at the Buenaventura Gallery and Studio 82 at the Bell Arts Factory in Ventura, California. “I still illustrate, that is, I like to create images that have story. At the same time, I enjoy making work that is about the process and not the final product. You can see more free flowing lines and energy in my larger pieces and murals. It’s the large scale work that makes me feel most alive.”

Andrea’s experiences making art and working with youth keeps her grounded in the belief that art serves the next generation. When students ask her how they, too, can become strong artists she tells them, “Carry a notebook with you at all times and use it! Draw and write, because the discipline will connect your hand to your eye, and once that happens you become an artist with unlimited potential.” Today, Andrea lives and paints in Santa Paula, California where she continues teaching, painting and capturing experiences of discovery.

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