Best in Show 2025 at the Old Wethersfield Arts & Crafts Fair

About the Artist: Alivia Rubino

After a long hiatus from art during the journey of parenthood, I’ve finally found my way back to my roots!

Many moons ago, while pursuing my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration from the University of Connecticut, I met my husband, Matt, in our illustration class. While I wrapped up that chapter of education in 2010, life took me on the path of focusing on raising our first two children. In 2017, our little family moved into an old schoolhouse in Tolland, CT, which inspired me to reconnect with my artistic roots. I began creating nature-based watercolor paintings in 2020, exploring different biomes, and offering the artwork as nature studies for my eldest son and daughter. In 2022, I welcomed twin girls, and with four children to care for, I felt a strong desire to learn, teach, and set an example for chasing dreams.

My watercolor paintings range from botanical pieces to depictions of fungi and forest creatures, striking a balance between loose nature studies and precise illustrations. I now develop my own products featuring these illustrations, print stationery from my home studio, and participate in several fine art festivals each year.

Background:

BFA in Illustration from UConn 2010