Elissa Della-Piana is multi-talented artist. Her career since she graduated from RISD in 1964 has included Exhibition Design, Fashion Illustration, Children's Books and Games, Product Development, Editorial Magazines, The Advertising Industry, Graphic Design, Natural Science Renderings, Dance and Opera, and Costume Design for Theater. Recently, she has been trying her hand on Painting and Landscape Drawing. Elissa taught at the Montserrat College of Art for 35 years. She is the founder of the Illustration Department at the college, and upon her retirement the Montserrat came together to celebrate her contribution to the college. As she bowed out of teaching, she commenced a new creative chapter, focusing on her activities as a professional illustrator and a curator at the Gallery Della-Piana in Wenham, MA. At the gallery, she exhibits many different themes, both illustration and fine art.
She’s always interested in meeting new artists – established or beginning. Many of her shows are “partnered” or “group”, and she’s open to organize partnered shows with any artist who’s willing. Professor Fred Lynch and Dean Laura Tonnel have both lauded Elissa’s many achievements. Current and former students of Montserrat College of Art all have favorite stories about their experience with Elissa. Elissa is successful because, despite her experience in art, she’s still on the lookout for anything that can help improve her art. She’s also open to criticism and always takes everything positively. This artist strives for detail in reflection and light. Her work can be found in many institutions and homes and is currently represented in several public and private collections.
