Martina Nevado

MARTINA NEVADO
CEO at Tina & Kids’ Creations School of Art
HCCC AFA Studio Art

Martina Nevado was born in Lima, Peru. From a young age, she knew she wanted to teach art and was always designing and creating. She used to make her own toys. She was 11 years old when she designed her first dress, which was completely sewn by hand. Since arriving in the United States, she has worked in childcare for fifteen years. She enrolled in the Baking and Pastry program at Hudson County Community College but never gave up one of her great passions: Art and Fashion Design, earning her Associate of Fine Arts degree in 2019. As a visual artist, she was invited to exhibit her work in New York, New Jersey, Chicago, Paris, and the Dominican Republic. She was featured in “Artists to Watch 001.” She was also invited to an art exhibition in Spain next year and will be featured in a Japanese publication. One of her works is on permanent display at her alma mater. Martina is currently the Founder and CEO of Tina & Kids’ Creations School of Arts. For 10 years, she has supported her community by offering sewing and cooking workshops in public libraries and schools, inspiring children to develop their creativity, for she believes that they, in turn, will be capable of doing great things. Nevado also hosts a podcast and currently lives and works in NJ.

"Hudson County Community College always made me feel at home. I always felt a sense of community at Hudson; it is not just an educational institution that embraces diversity; it is the only home for many students."

Were there any professors or classes that had a significant impact on you?

Yes, Joseph Pascale, the College Composition professor, was very supportive and professional. He encouraged students to give 100% of their effort, and I felt so confident that I joined the College newspaper.

From Professor Jon Rappleye, I learned that there is a whole world of materials beyond pencil and paper for drawing. I really enjoyed all the techniques I learned in his Drawing class.

Dimensional Design with Professor Jason Minami was the class that truly captivated me. With the techniques I learned in his class, I began a career in three-dimensional art. Laurie Riccadona and Katie Newoduski were also excellent teachers. Under their guidance, I was invited to exhibit at the Rotunda Gallery in Jersey City City Hall before graduating from college. Both are incredible artists who also inspired me in my work.

Were you involved in any student organizations, clubs, or leadership roles?

Yes, I was part of the staff at The Orator. I wrote several times for the front page. I fondly remember Chef Anne Burrell; I wrote an article about her when she visited HCCC in 2017. I also was a member of Phi Theta Kappa, inducted into the National Society of Leadership and Success and singing with the Music Club.

What do you wish you had known before enrolling?

Instead of waiting 15 years to restart classes, I wish I had known that I could take at least one course per semester while working and raising my children. I could have finished sooner. Although the way I did things gave me results I never imagined, like traveling to showcase my art and feeling proud of my children, a U.S. Marine, and two who joined the Air Force.