Meet Jean Ellen S.

Fine Arts graduate

Art has been a constant in Jean Ellen’s life. She recalls how her love for creating was nurtured in her family’s “craft room,” and as she approached the end of high school, she knew art could be more than just a hobby. When the time came to choose a path after graduation, Hudson Valley’s Fine Arts program was her first choice, setting the stage for her artistic journey.

Despite not having a concrete plan, Jean Ellen pursued her studies part-time for four years, learning under Fine Arts professors Thomas Lail and Tara Fracalossi—individuals Jean Ellen credits as pivotal to her education.

“Honestly, Tom and Tara were the foundation of it all. Tara taught me everything about color, and Tom taught me the technical skills of art, and I use them both every day in my projects,” Jean Ellen said. “They genuinely care about their students and really want them to succeed. They’re influencing you and pushing you to take that extra step. I think that’s a different experience than what you’d get at a big university.”

After earning her associate degree, Jean Ellen decided to continue for another year at Hudson Valley in the independent study class, a course taught by Lail, where she got to explore the different forms of art she wanted to pursue.

Jean Ellen went on to complete her bachelor’s degree at SUNY Purchase, but her experience at Hudson Valley proved crucial as she found herself continually referencing the knowledge and skills she gained during her time as a Viking. One lesson in particular, Jean Ellen says, was a game changer.

“Tom taught us the importance of stepping back and seeing the bigger picture,” she said. “It sounds silly, but when you’re sitting there and you’re drawing so up close, you don’t realize the things you see when you step back. That’s something that still sticks with me.”

Today, she runs a successful freelance business, Love’s Colors, specializing in commissioned art, murals, and graphic design. In addition, she serves as the creative director for Druthers Brewing Company, where her work includes designing their beer can labels, something that still makes her career feel surreal.

“When I go to the grocery store and see the beer cans I designed, my heart literally explodes,” she said. “It’s so cool to see people walking around holding my art.”

One of her most recent and notable projects was completing her largest mural at Lago by Druthers on Saratoga Lake. Taking over 100 hours to complete, the freehanded mural features vibrant colors, adding to the summery, tropical atmosphere at the restaurant.

For students interested in art or unsure of their next steps, Jean Ellen encourages them to start at Hudson Valley. “When I was working at a restaurant and kids would say, ‘I don't know what I'm going to do next year, but I'm graduating,’ I tell them going to Hudson Valley was the best thing I ever did.”

As she looks to the future, Jean Ellen hopes to incorporate her passion for art with her love of traveling.