A middle-aged single mom who had dreamed of returning to college after many years and obtaining a degree sees it becoming a reality.

Carolann Espino currently attends San Jose City College as an art student.

As a self-taught artist, she had relative success but felt she needed more training and enrolled in the art program at SJCC.

Espino’s artwork reflects life experiences, a sense of humor, vivid colors and at times a flamboyant touch. Her style is bold and expresses her culture.

This is seen in her painting “Virgen de Guadalupe.”

Espino said it is painted in acrylic using gold leafing in the background. She painted it because it was her grandmother’s favorite icon.

“She is not afraid of expressing what she feels,” SJCC art student Rosio Mora said. “I like the Virgen de Guadalupe painting. The face reflects a sense of tranquility and warmth that made me feel at peace.”

Espino was one of the local artists featured at the Studio Bongiorno art exhibit on March 2.

She has exhibited in a variety of venues from galleries to art fairs around the county.

“To be a successful artist, you must be willing to work, develop your skills and market your art,” Espino said.

She began as a painter and is now working in ceramics under the direction of art instructor Michelle Gregor.

Mixed media art, Espino said, is her favorite work.

“Under the guidance of talented dedicated art instructors, I have gained skill levels that only increased my success as an artist,” Espino said. “I credit Eve Mathias (art instructor) as my greatest influence in developing my skills and gaining confidence as an artist.”
Mathias said, “Her (Espino) inquiring mind really is an asset to her. She is a citizen of the world, always studying, which informs her paintings, ceramics and the way she lives. She has only gotten better and better.”

She has received admittance to three Bay Area universities, and  said she would love to return to SJCC as an instructor of art or art history.

“San Jose City College has one of the best Art Programs in the Bay Area,” Espino said. “I attribute my confidence to every instructor who dedicated time and expertise in making me a better artist and ceramist.”

The month-long exhibit, “Devotion,” also features Trace Baca, Tulio Flores and Fernando Escartiz.

The studio is owned by Phil Bongiorno, who is also an artist and photographer.

“I’m interested in promoting local talented artists in our community, such as Carolann,” Bongiorno said.  “She is extremely multi-talented. She embraces the essence of art.”

View Espino’s work at flickr.com/cehappyart.