Strong Woman of the month : Colleen of Colleen Darby Designs

Colleen Wall Darby is an inspirational artist, designer & illustrator. She is a registered Healing Artist, a member of the Global Alliance for Arts and Health, former Artist in Residence with the University of Buffalo’s Arts in Healthcare Program and President of Colleen Darby Designs, Inc. Her paintings can be found in medical facilities, corporate spaces and homes. Darby has licensed her artwork to major retailers and her children’s art has been published in books, annuals and magazines. Darby created programing and leads “Art of Healing” workshops. She was selected to paint a mural for the TV show, Extreme Makeover Home Edition – Powell family episode. Darby has also worked as an Art Director, a Creative Director and a Marketing Director throughout the years.

“I was born and raised in the hard-working city of Buffalo, New York, where the idea of growing up to be an artist was a far-fetched dream. So, I tucked away that dream and settled into a safe career in advertising. I plodded along for 20+ years until one day I questioned, “What is my life’s purpose?” It didn’t take long for the universe to answer, the very next morning I received an email that would change my life. It was a “Call for Artists” to work at Women’s & Children’s Hospital of Buffalo, the mission was to bring the creative arts to patients during their treatment. I knew that this was the path for me so I dusted off my dream and began using my talent to help others. During my time there, I had the opportunity to work with hundreds of patients and families and witnessed the arts transform mind, body and soul.
My experiences at the hospital, brought out a new sensitivity in both my self and my art. Inspired by those experiences, I went back to the studio with a new vision. Now I use my ability to see the beauty in nature, combined with my love of typography and my appreciation for the written word, to create my inspirational paintings. I hope to engage my audience on a deeper level; to leave them feeling positive and uplifted. ”