Atlanta's ART Mission Statement:
"To Have Fun!"
"I like that my art is bright and whimsical, and I hope that it makes people smile."
Atlanta Marie Carrera
HOW IT BEGAN... I first started painting for family and friends. My paintings are based on places we have been or things that are special to us. I enjoy painting because the possibilities are endless. My favorite way to paint is to create a scene by joining images from several photos I’ve taken. I love adding little details into my paintings that have a hidden meaning beyond the obvious.
EXPLORING EMOTION... In combining my art with my poetry, I discovered a new way to explore emotions and merge them in my work. Blending together key elements into one painting is like piecing together a puzzle to express a story. My goal is to visually guide the reader to experience a deeper meaning.
ART WITH A PURPOSE... By using my paintings and poetry for fundraising efforts, I have found a new purpose for my art. I call it “My Faith Journey.” My message is, “Follow your heart ...wherever it leads.” I love to hear stories of how my work has inspired others.
Art Mediums
Acrylic
Watercolor
Pastels
Drawing
Alcohol Inks
Collage
Tile Mosaics
Murals
3D Art
Crafting
Experience
Atlanta's ART (Artist, Owner), Wilmington, NC (2012-Present)
Established art business with mission of giving back to the community through fundraising.
Created two-dimensional (2D) works of art using acrylic, watercolor, drawing, pastels, oil, colored pencil, inks, and collage.
Designed three-dimensional (3D) hand crafted Christmas ornaments for tree displays.
Generated Websites including content, images and design.
Produced graphic designs for logos, posters, t-shirts, book covers, business cards, and illustrations
Wrote poetry for songs and greeting cards.
Taught various art mediums and crafting techniques in a studio setting.
Provided private art lessons catered to individual's skill level and artistic goals.
Promoted work of local artists through media campaigns and art shows.
Participated in local fundraising campaigns for over 30 non-profit organizations.
Offered scholarships for scholastic and career advancement.
Coordinated internship placement for local businesses.
Partnered with local businesses for workshops and pop-up storefronts.
Established the “Atlanta’s ART Charitable Gift Fund”
Established the "Atlanta's ART Education Enrichment Fund" at UNCW University of NC at Wilmington
Books & Magazines
Published Books
Author and Illustrator for See Inside the Sea by Atlanta Marie Carrera, ISBN: 979-9266341937 (Oct 2025)
Author and Illustrator for The Art of Alcohol Inks by Atlanta Marie Carrera, ISBN: 979-8297509030 (Aug 2025)
Author and Illustrator for Exploring Alcohol Inks by Atlanta Marie Carrera, ISBN: 979-8296236012 (July 2025)
Author and Illustrator for The Colorful Eggs by Atlanta Marie Carrera, ISBN: 979-8310992832 (Mar 2025)
Author and Illustrator for Sounds Like a Dinosaur! by Atlanta Marie Carrera, ISBN-13: 979-8310026346 (Feb 2025)
Author and Illustrator for Space Explorers by Atlanta Marie Carrera, ISBN: 979-8301651649 (Dec 2024)
Editor, contributor and cover design for Child of Light by Teresa Koska, ISBN: 979-8985925425 (Dec 11, 2023)
Illustration page for "Us Girls" by Kyle Alderdice, UNCW Randall Library's FlashLIT Contest Theme: The End (Mar 2024)
Illustration page for "Lester Young, The 'Young' President of Jazz," UNCW music students publication (Jan 2023)
Magazine Articles
"Inhaling the Past" artwork by Atlanta Marie Carrera, Atlantis, a creative magazine, UNCW publication (Fall 2025)
"Puddles" artwork by Atlanta Marie Carrera, Atlantis, a creative magazine, pg 16-17, UNCW publication (Spring 2025)
"Art is a Lifestyle" Meet your Neighbor: Atlanta Carrera, Featured Resident Ogden Living Magazine, BVM Best Version Media (Mar 2025)
"Meet Atlanta Carrera", CanvasRebel Online Magazine for Conversation with Entrepreneurs, Artists & Creatives (Nov 25, 2024)
"Women to Watch, A Family Trade," Wilma Magazine (May 18, 2020)
"Woman Owned Businesses on the Rise," WilmingtonBiz (Aug 10, 2018)
Featured Art for "Wings of Love," Beneficence, Lower Cape Fear Hospice Foundation Newsletter (Spring 2015)
Events, News and Appearances
Art Exhibitions
CAB Art Gallery, Senior Exhibit, "The Sum of Us" UNCW Cultural Arts Building (Fall 2025)
The Ann Flack Boseman Gallery, Solo Exhibit, "Exploring Alcohol Inks" UNCW (Fall 2025)
The Ann Flack Boseman Gallery, "All-Student Show" UNCW (Spring 2025)
Fort Fisher Aquarium, Cape Fear Festival of Trees, "Heaven's Light" (2024)
Cameron Art Museum, “State of the Art/Art of the State” (2022, 2018, 2017, 2015, 2014)
Fort Fisher Aquarium, Lower Cape Fear Hospice Festival of Trees, “Memories of Old” (2021)
Fort Fisher Aquarium, Lower Cape Fear Hospice Festival of Trees, “Heart of Gold” (2019)
Fort Fisher Aquarium, Lower Cape Fear Hospice Festival of Trees, “Colors of the Deep” (2017)
Bellamy Mansion, “Emerging Artists Showcase” (2014)
Cameron Art Museum, Lower Cape Fear Hospice Festival of Trees, “Snow Angels” (2014)
Cameron Art Museum, Lower Cape Fear Hospice Festival of Trees, “Angel's Wings” (2013)
Artist Talks
"Exploring Alcohol Inks," The Ann Flack Boseman Gallery, University of North Carolina at Wilmington (Oct 1, 2025)
News Articles
Exhibit Promotion for "State of the Art/Art of the State" at Cameron Art Museum, WECT News6 (April 6, 2022)
"Children's Memorial Garden," Featured Artist at the "White Pants Gala" for Lower Cape Fear Hospice, Star News Online (Aug 26, 2017)
Art Booths
Alzheimer’s Association “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023)
Summer Celebration & Show, Michael's Craft Store (2017)
“Pumpkin Fest” Fall Art Show, On The Border (2017)
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Coastal Carolina Branch “One Walk” (2014, 2012)
Wilmington Ballet performances of the Nutcracker ballet (2013, 2012)
NC Azalea Festival (2013)
Wilmington Riverfest (2012)
Gala Auction Donations
Lower Cape Fear Hospice Foundation “Jingle & Joy Gala” (2025)
Wilmington Area Rebuilding Ministries “Raise the Roof Gala” (2018, 2017, 2016)
Lower Cape Fear Hospice Foundation “Last Chance for White Pants Gala” (2017, 2014)
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation “Hope Gala” (2015, 2014)
Visiting Artist and Author
Designed and implemented arts and crafts lesson plans as part of presentations of my original artwork and story books to preschool and elementary age children.
Let's Pretend (2013)
The Christmas Wish Box (2008, 2011 )
The Princess of Christmas (2012)
Larry the Leprechaun (2008, 2012)
The Twelve Gifts from Santa (2012)
Going on Safari (2008)
Commissioned Work
Lower Cape Fear Hospice, Children's Memorial Garden, “Garden of the Butterfly” Series of five acrylic paintings (2017)
“African Sun,” Acrylic on canvas 24x48 for Lower Cape Fear Hospice Donation (2016)
Quinn-McGowen “Reflections of Life” Butterfly Release, “Butterflies in the Rain Garden” Series of six acrylic paintings (2014)
Live Art Appearances
"Reflections of Life" Butterfly Release, “Butterflies in the Rain Garden” personal appearance (2014)
TV Appearances
Wheel of Fortune, Contestant WECT6 (Nov 2009)
Achievements
Procreate Masterclass Graduate (Jan 2025)
Nominated by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), Cape Fear Regional Chapter for “Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year” for the National Philanthropy Day Awards (2014).
Associations
Fine Art America (2014-present)
Wilmington Art Association (2020-present)
Wilmington Artists Facebook Group (2020-present)
WIN Women in Networking (2024-2024), Vice President (2024)
SWiM Strong Women in Marketing, established networking group (2024), Marketing Director (2024-present)
Education
University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Wilmington, NC (2020-2025; 1982-1985)
Studio Art Major with minors in English, Psychology, and Art History
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC (2010)
Kenan-Flagler School of Business, Business Essentials Program Certification
Art Portfolio - UNCW Classes
WECT News6
Cameron Art Museum
State of the Art/Art of the State
Exhibit Promotion
Star News Online
Lower Cape Fear Hospice
White Pants Gala
Featured Artist
Lower Cape Fear Hospice
Beneficence Publication
Featured Art
Lower Cape Fear Hospice
Beneficence Publication
Art for Wings of Love
WECT News6
Wheel of Fortune
TV Appearance
WilmingtonBiz
Woman Owned Businesses
On The Rise
Wilma Magazine
Women to Watch
A Family Trade