Artist Roster

Kristen Margiotta was born and raised in Delaware. She is a graduate from University of Delaware where she majored in Visual Communications/ Illustration in 2005. She is an oil painter and also an illustrator who synonymously utilizes her youthful characters, with their large eyes and tiny bodies, either exploring imaginary worlds, not dissimilar to our own, or showcasing various villains and protagonists within their thematic space. Her paintings are reminiscent of films that have been put on pause so the viewer can feel the emotions within the dark paintings that contrast against the presences of the characters showcased. Kristen's paintings are a healthy blend of cute and creepy, of traditional and non-traditional elements, while being executed   in a technically proficient style.

Kristen has exhibited her work regionally and within various states along the East Coast since 2005 and has been represented by the Pop Gallery in Santa Fe, NM since 2009. Kristen had her exhibit “Fear Becomes Her" at AFA Gallery in Soho, home to Maurice Sendak and Tim Burton, in December 2012, where she hung along side Dr. Seuss, Charles Schulz, and modern visionary artists. Kristen held a solo exhibit, "Cherry's Closet", at the Mezzanine Gallery in 2009, and has been featured in juried exhibitions as the Delaware Women's Conference Fine Art and the National Arts Program, where she received first place in the professional category. Kristen’s paintings are found in the homes of private collectors all over the country.

Kristen feels the level of importance for any person to have access to her art, so she often exhibits and sells her merchandise at regional art and music events and independent craft markets, where people of all age have the opportunity to purchase her work. In 2013, Kristen opened up her online store, Cherry's Closet, where buyers can purchase a range of merchandise featuring Kristen's art from buttons, mirrors, prints, books, and original paintings.

In addition to being a fine artist, Kristen is also an illustrator. She illustrated her first children's book, Better Haunted Homes and Gardens in 2009 through Imaginary Books. She is currently illustrating the Gustav Gloom book series through Penguin Young Readers Group.

Kristen's passion for art led her to follow a career in teaching art, beginning in 2004. Teaching has allowed Kristen another outlet for her artistic expression where she can reach her students on various levels and give back to the community. She currently teaches private art lessons and classes at Center for the Creative Arts, Yorklyn, DE.