Elissa Della-Piana is an Associate Professor and founder of the Illustration Department at the Montserrat College of Art. She taught t the college for more than three decades, and when she retired, the Montserrat College of Art community decided to come together and celebrate her. In attendance were her colleagues, current and former students and the college support staff. Professor Fred Lynch and Dean Laura Tonnel both lauded her many achievements. The current and former students of the college also had favorite stories about their experience with Elissa. Elissa graduated from RISD in 1994, and since then, her career has included Product Development, Exhibition Design, Children's Books and Games, Editorial Magazines, Fashion Illustration, The Advertising Industry, Natural Science Renderings, Graphic Design, Dance and Opera, and Costume Design for Theater. Being that she has a great passion for art, Elissa is also doing come work on Painting and Landscape Drawing. This passion for art grew over the years and led her to a brilliant creative career. Her work is greatly inspired by decorative art and her love of nature and life. As she left teaching, she wanted to keep herself busy so she started a new creative chapter where she is currently focusing on her activities as a professional illustrator and a curator at the Gallery Della-Piana in Wenham, MA. She exhibits many different themes at the gallery - both illustration and fine art. Elissa’s always interested in meeting new artists; whether they are established or up-coming. Framed Elissa Della-Piana art are today much sought after by many discerning collectors.