Nancy Zato
“Great art is the outward expression of an inner life in the artist.” - Edward Hopper
Nancy has been with Starting Arts for the past several years, working with many grade levels and school districts throughout the Bay Area. Her experience in arts and crafts, art history, sculpture, textiles and family art workshops provided a good background for Starting Arts. Nancy began her art career at an early age, selling her art through gift shops, craft fairs and boutiques throughout the Chicago area. She began teaching art to children 20 years ago as an Art Appreciation volunteer through the public schools. She did this for several years before she began designing wearable art for a Chicago based company who sold their products throughout the U.S. Nancy taught at local art schools, and cities, helping toddlers to teens, with drawing, cartooning, painting and clay works. After her move to California in ‘98 she began working for two local cities (Parks and Recreation Services), teaching art to several age categories. She also organized, developed and taught numerous art classes to Home Schoolers and taught private art classes to individual students throughout the Bay Area. Nancy also designs and sews a variety of costumes for Starting Arts theatrical performances. She currently works on a contract basis doing interior design work for several interior decorators as well as doing contract sewing and all types of design from Home Dec to weddings. The mother of 4 grown daughters, Nancy has combined her love of children and creativity to help foster programs that bring the benefits of the Arts to young children.
