claire nivola

b. 1947, New York, Usa 

Claire A. Nivola is known for her paintings, sculptures and most famously, her illustrations, particularly in children’s books. Born to artist parents, Nivola remembers herself drawing and sculpting from her early childhood and claimed to “take art for granted, like breathing and walking”. After graduating with a degree in History and Literature from Radcliffe College, she illustrated her first children’s book in 1970. Her father gave her his job of illustrating a children’s book by Maria Cimino, and she then illustrated a book by her mother as well. Soon after, she branched into mural painting and graphic design, holding exhibitions for her work. 

She moved back to her hometown in 1980 and worked as part of the art department at Newsweek magazine. She claims that being a mother has greatly influenced her work and the years after that she spent being busy with her children. In 1994, she went back to bringing to life children’ book through her illustrations, working with numerous publishers. More recently, she has authored books too.  

EXHIBITIONS

SELECTED EXHIBITIONS

Exhibition of Water Colors, Litchfield Library Gallery – Connecticut, USA, 1970.

Exhibition of Contemporary Artists, National Institute of Arts and Letter – New York, USA, 1973. 

Exhibition, Benson Gallery – New York, USA, 1973. 

One Woman Exhibition, Sultan Gallery – Kuwait, 1975.