Today we’d like to introduce you to Nanci Iovino.
Hi Nanci, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m an artist first. Animals have always been an important subject in my work and a way for me to express myself.
I’m also an artist educator, and for more than 20 years I’ve worked in the local arts community—as an instructor, studio manager, and someone involved in events, exhibitions, and community programming at museums and other arts institutions.
One of the experiences that really changed the direction of my work was teaching adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities at a local gallery. I saw firsthand how meaningful creative expression could be—not just as an art activity, but as a way to build confidence, and a sense of belonging.
When the gallery had to close that part of its programming for financial reasons, I wasn’t ready to let the progress we had made disappear. I had built relationships with the artists and their families, and I knew how important that creative space had become to them. So, after a few bumps in the road , I created a nonprofit to continue it.
That became Keep Creating Art Wellness Center. What started as an effort to preserve something meaningful has grown into a larger vision: creating an inclusive, welcoming space where everyone can make art, and experience the wellness and connection that comes from creating.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
One of the biggest challenges I faced was early on, when I went into a business partnership with someone I trusted. Over the course of that first year, it became clear that we had very different work ethics and visions. I eventually discovered that despite my financial investment and involvement, I had never actually been added to the LLC as a partner—I had been classified as an independent contractor.
At the time, it was incredibly disappointing, but ultimately it was a blessing in disguise. Within 24 hours, I was able to walk away, maintain relationships with many of my students and families, and create Keep Creating as a nonprofit. It also taught me the importance of surrounding myself with people I trust, and together with Dr. Raul Barcelona, we’re building an organization based on collaboration, transparency, and a shared vision.
I’m not a businessperson by training—I’m learning along the way, leading with my heart and with a strong belief in treating people with respect, compassion, and kindness.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My work is centered around one simple belief: creativity can be healing. I’m an artist and educator, but over the years I’ve come to understand that what I’m really offering people is a space to pause, create, and reconnect with themselves.
There is a story that completely changed the way I approach creating and teaching. On 9/11, my sister-in-law was in one of the Twin Towers. Thankfully, she survived and was able to get out. We brought her with us on a family beach vacation so she could rest and begin to process what had happened. It was an incredibly difficult and numbing time.
One day, I took her and my mother to a pottery painting studio. I had to insist that they participate rather than just watch me paint, so the three of us sat quietly and painted together. At one point, I stopped and asked them, “During this time, were either of you thinking about everything that had happened?”
They both realized they hadn’t been. For those moments, their minds had been somewhere else. I suddenly realized that I had given my sister-in-law a gift—a little peace of mind, even if only temporarily.
That experience changed my entire teaching practice. I’ve seen it happen again and again, through grief, during COVID, with people experiencing challenges, and even when someone simply needs a break from the noise of everyday life. I believe we can heal in those quiet moments of creating.
That’s what I’m most proud of with Keep Creating. We aren’t just teaching people how to make art; we’re creating a space where people feel accepted, connected, and free from judgment.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I love most about Montclair is its creative energy and diversity. There is such a strong community of artists, educators, small businesses, and people who genuinely care about making the town a better place. I’ve been part of the arts community here for more than 20 years, and I’m continually inspired by the creativity and individuality of the people around me. My personal circle is fairly small, but I’ve been fortunate to build meaningful relationships through my work.
As for what I like least, like any community, Montclair has its challenges and sometimes there are political or administrative issues that can be frustrating. I try not to get caught up in that side of things. I prefer to focus my energy on what I can contribute.
Pricing:
- Every Saturday we have a drop in /Freestyle studio $10-15
- Many classes are package pricing, if a class is missed it’s not lost
Contact Info:
- Website: https://KEEPCREATINGCORP.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepcreating_corp?igsi=MWd4OHl3b3A2c2M3aQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560261256029
- Youtube: youtu.be/MKRLSdCHrds
