Maria Vallese, Retro Sorrento

Maria Vallese is an illustrator and artist living in Utica, NY. She is a 2010 graduate of Rochester Institute of Technology with a B.F.A. in Illustration.

Maria specializes in color-saturated artwork and illustrations, inspired by landscapes, building architecture, interesting places and people, pop-culture and a little bit of nostalgia.

In 2009 Maria founded Retro Sorrento, which combines her art and freelance illustration business with her handmade designs. She is a frequent contributor with The Art Thing Collaborative.

Some of Maria's notable clients include Saranac Brewery, Annie's Homegrown, Stowe Cider, and Utica Coffee Roasting. You can also find Maria's work on buildings throughout the Mohawk Valley, most notably her 1500 square foot mural at Players Theatre in Utica, in coordination with Utica Monday Night.

She also takes on private commissions for murals, building illustrations, event posters and more.