Clarissa is a fine artist living in Philadelphia. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA). As a Bread Scholar, she received a merit-based full scholarship from UPenn and was the first PAFA/UPenn student to receive this distinction. Originally from New York, Clarissa studied painting at the New York Academy of Art, the Art Students League of New York, and the Isabel O’Neal Studio on full scholarship. In 1993, she received a full scholarship and invitation from Friends of Vieilles Maisons Francaises to restore a 19th-century horse carriage in Buxy, France. Clarissa has completed extensive study of and has professional experience in the decorative arts. Her professional experience includes work with private clients as well as commercial projects for numerous entities including American Express, Oscar de la Renta and Saks Fifth Avenue. She spent almost 20 years in the film industry as a scenic artist, producing sets for over 40 film and television productions. In addition, she produced both original and reproduction paintings for numerous productions, including the Lee Krasner paintings for the film “Pollock”. Additional credits include Julie Taymor’s “The Tempest”, “Salt”, “Summer of Sam”, “Angels in America” and “Boardwalk Empire”. She is a longtime member of the United Scenic Artists 829 as well as a former member of the Society of Gilders. An adjunct faculty member at PAFA since 2000, as well as at the Woodmere Art Museum and Samuel S. Fleisher Art Memorial, Clarissa teaches such varied subjects as medieval manuscript illumination, encaustic painting, symbolism of color, and film-related painting classes. Clarissa is represented by Gravers Lane Gallery in Philadelphia, and has exhibited her work in shows around the country. Her work is included in numerous private and public collections.