Sandra Wakeen, is an internationally renowned painter and teacher based in Connecticut. She is known for her contemporary realism work that explores themes around women, florals and experiences from her travels abroad. She has received recognition, awards and honors in numerous national exhibitions: Art Renewal Center Salon Show, Oil Painters of America, Portrait Society of America and Salmagundi Club to name a few. Sandra won Best of Show in NorthEastern Fine Arts 2020 exhibition. Her paintings reside in museums, galleries and in private collections world-wide. Sandra's work has been featured in popular publications such as American Art Collector Magazine and American Artist Magazine. Sandra created an artists cultural exchange in Florence, Italy for American and Italian artists to study, paint and learn from each other. A three month residency in Florence to study and paint was to follow. This resulted in shows in Italy and in the United States with inclusion in the "Art of Giovanna Garzoni" Exhibition. The Garzoni Challenge was held in Florence's Pitti Palace with the collaboration of the Uffizi Galleries and the Medici Archive Project. Sandra Wakeen Atelier opened in 2014 in Somers, CT. Thus, allowing her the opportunity to humbly pass on what she has learned over a forty year art career. Teaching has been a constant in living her life as an artist. She studied at Paier College of Art and forensic reconstruction with Betty Pat Gatliff at The Scottsdale Artist School. Later in her career she studied at Studio Escalier in France and in Italy. David Lefell, Sherrie Mcgraw, Koo Schadler and Ron Bohmer were great influences in the refinement of Sandra's artistry. "Art is my Yes to life!" Sandra says as she enthusiastically continues to explore and evolve her new work. Permanent Collection:The New Britain Museum of American ArtFlorence Griswold MuseumFFAST Museum in Fiesole, Italy Associazione Culturale Il Palmerino IT. Private collections at home and abroad. Affiliations Connecticut Society of Portrait Artists - Regional RepresentativePortrait Society of America - Member Show and 6x9 panel artistsWethersfield Academy for the Arts - Founding member, Atelier Director Lyme Art Association - Board of Directors - Elected ArtistConnecticut Academy of Fine ArtsConnecticut River Valley ArtistsAcademic Artist AssociationNew Britain Museum of American Art - Permanent CollectionFlorence Griswold Museum - Permanent Collection