Marissa “ Minhafofa” Molina is a New York based artist specializing in large-scale paintings, murals, and wearable sculptures. She earned her BA in Departmental Art Honors and World History from the University at Albany, SUNY in 2010 along with her MFA in Studio Art at The City College of New York, CUNY in 2014. Since then she has worked with multiple organizations

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          Fueled by a profound interest in people, Marissa's art lives in a garishly playful and vibrant world filled with personalities and the objects, environments, and energies that embody them. Growing up with a father who rose out of extreme poverty in El Salvador who came to work in various positions in the sanitation field; Marissa had an in-depth view of people's tumultuous relationship with possessions. People yearn for more yet consistently dispose of different parts of their lives, and all the while that journey through objects leaves us with a beautiful trail of history and insight. Marissa strives to create empowered, bold, and energetic portraits that illuminate the energy individuals possess while setting a general tone of positivity, brightness, and fun into the world.  Hair is especially crucial in highlighting these features through a variety of stories and textures.

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          With extensive teaching experience in Art and Martial Arts for the past 10 years, Marissa has dedicated her time inspiring others to create and trust in themselves.  Currently, Marissa works as the Mural Program Art Director for Thrive Collective, a nonprofit arts organization based in New York City. that creates hope and opportunity through arts and mentoring in public schools and communities.