Nellie Escalante

I am a Puerto Rican art historian, museum/art educator, artist, and creative entrepreneur born and raised in the Bronx. I LOVE talking about art and sharing all I know with groups of all ages. Art has transformed me!  I enjoy the “aha moments” that a work of art can offer when we wait for it to speak. 

An experienced museum educator, I have taught at El Museo del Barrio, the Museum of the Moving Image, and am currently a member of the teaching team at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Studio Museum in Harlem, The Jewish Museum, and Arts & Minds.   I hold an MA in Anthropology, and a BA in Art History with a minor in Latin American Studies. 

As a creative entrepreneur, my Etsy shop,  features my art teaching resources, printable art, DIY sewing tutorials inspired by clothing reconstruction, as well as t-shirts celebrating cultural heroes, art, and natural hair.  

I live with my husband and two boys.

Art & Motherhood

 I am also parent to a child on the autism spectrum which has informed my art and art teaching.

My son is the light of my life!  I self-published two books about special needs parenting and creativity; Peek-a-boo, I See Me: 35 Lessons inSelf/Soul Care for the Special Needs Mom and Girl Reconstructed: Crafting a Creative Business as a Special Needs Mom. You can purchase them on Amazon.

Taking time for self-care can be challenging when caring for a child with a disability.  I also offer art workshops for caregivers via Zoom and in person. Email me at nelarte101@gmail.com if you would like to know more.