Cherree Mallette Art

Cherree Mallette / Biography 

Cherree Mallette, an evocative visual artist, was born in Northeastern Town Canton, Ohio. Her formative years unfolded in the picturesque suburban neighborhood of Louisville, Ohio, just a stone's throw away from the vibrant city of Pittsburgh, Pa. From a young age, she found herself enamored with the very essence of beauty around her. This love affair with the aesthetic world began at the tender age of nine, atop a hill overlooking the fields behind her house. It was there, amid fields of wildflowers blending seamlessly with her flannel coat, that she felt an inexplicable connection with nature and knew she was destined to be an artist.
Raised in a family deeply rooted in European heritage, with Spanish, French, and Slovakian influences weaving through her lineage, Cherree's childhood was steeped in artistic sensibilities. Her family's homes were reminiscent of perfect interiors featured in magazines, surrounded by lush gardens bursting with colors and blooming fruit trees. This vibrant upbringing undoubtedly shaped her artistic journey.

Cherree began her formal education at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, earning an Associate of Arts degree. She furthered her studies at the University of Pittsburgh, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in art history and Studio Art in 1980, and expanded her artistic training with a stint at the Academy of Fine Art. Her early career included working as an illustrator for an industrial magazine in Cleveland, which soon led her to the sunny climes of Florida. There, she entered the type and graphic industry in Orlando, where she honed her skills and embraced pioneering printing techniques.

Life's vicissitudes led Cherree to full-time painting after a period of personal upheaval. It was during this time that she embraced black and white photo realism, capturing life-size figurative works that resonated deeply with audiences. Her acclaimed series, "The Unknown to be Known," showcased individuals from all walks of life and was displayed in galleries from Orlando to New York. The poignant messages behind her work even caught the attention of Mayor Buddy Dyer, earning her an honorable mention and sparking movements for homeless shelters in Orlando.

The Big Recession brought about a period of introspection and reinvention for Cherree. Returning to the simplicity of nature, she found solace in the beaches of Florida, reminiscent of her childhood days spent with her mother cloud-watching in their backyard. Driven by an affinity for water and inspired by the philosophies of Japanese scientist Masaru Emoto, Cherree developed a unique artistic style. Her "Splashparencies" series focuses on capturing the movement and healing properties of water, infused with intentional manifestations and love, using oil paints on paper through a dry brush technique.

Cherree finds inspiration in both iconic and personal influences, drawing from artists like Vincent Van Gogh, Chuck Close, and cultural figures like Betty Davis, Eric Clapton, and James Taylor. Her affiliations with groups such as the Florida Women of Fine Arts Association and the New York Art Competition Group speak to her active engagement with the art community. Her work has been exhibited in prestigious galleries, from the Jennifer Balcos Gallery in West Palm, Florida, to the SNAP! Orlando in Florida.

Her accolades include awards from the Society Four Arts Museum and the United Arts of Central Florida, to mention a few. Her art is part of prominent collections, with collectors such as Dick Nunus, Vice President of Disney, and Isis Jones of Full Sail University, appreciating her ability to capture the soul and evoke a sense of refreshing clarity and healing.

Beyond the canvas, Cherree enjoys playing the guitar, songwriting, swimming in the ocean, and basking in the sun's warmth. Despite the challenges of the Big Recession, COVID-19, and inflation, Cherree continues her artistic journey, dedicated to the vision of owning a gallery that offers peace and reflection. Her art is a testament to her belief in the transformative power of creativity and her commitment to a world of beauty, respect, and conservation. Cherree Mallette's ongoing journey in art reflects her enduring passion to make the world a better place through her unique and poignant works.

 Spectrum Mana Miami Art Show