JCAL STAFF

Erica Purnell

Education Fellow

Erica Purnell is a professional career artist from New York City whose work is centered around painting and exploring the endless possibilities of color.  Affectionately known as Ms. E, she is a visionary who inspires within her community serving as a visual arts teacher and facilitating art therapy sessions. As a teaching artist for the past 6 years of her career, Erica connects with her students allowing them the space to be expressive and encouraging raw talent while providing the instruction and guidance needed to advance it further. As an intergenerational educator, she works with youth and elders building their confidence learning art fundamentals.  Erica brings her creative light in her work through her paintings, murals, designs, in-house and virtual art instruction. Erica is an outgoing person who loves art and life while embracing all that comes her way with a positive attitude. 

Erica studied at The Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC traversing disciplines of painting, drawing, photography and digital to her main area of expertise in Communications Design. Erica's work would later evolve to large scale canvas paintings and murals to convey the stories she wanted to share. Erica has been featured in print and online publications for her story and her art. She has also presented work nationally at various galleries and group shows in NYC, Los Angeles, Miami, Boston and Philadelphia.