BIOGRAPHY
Jenika Carrillo, also known as J.C Art, is a Puerto Rican visual artist based in Hartford, Connecticut. Working primarily in acrylic painting, her work is influenced by surrealism and rooted in symbolism and storytelling. Drawing from her upbringing in Hartford, CT, where she witnessed both the richness of culture and the realities of systemic inequality, her art reflects themes of resilience, identity, and emotional depth.
She frequently incorporates natural elements such as trees, roses, and monarch butterflies as visual metaphors, exploring the balance between logic and emotion, as well as the tension between vulnerability and strength. Through surrealist imagery and vibrant organic forms, Jenika creates work that speaks to inner conflict, transformation, and personal growth. Her practice is driven by a desire to move beyond literal representation and into emotional truth, using symbolism to express complex experiences related to healing, cultural resilience, and the pursuit of wholeness.
In addition to her artistic practice, Jenika is a social worker; she works in the mental health field, a role that deeply informs her perspective on creativity and healing. She founded J.C Art as a form of self-care and creative expression, and her work often centers on mental health awareness and the importance of nurturing oneself during difficult times. Passionate about increasing access to the arts, particularly for underserved communities, she aims to create work that fosters connection, reflection, and empowerment.
CV
EDUCATION
University of Connecticut – Master of Social Work 2026
Eastern Connecticut State University – B.S. Psychological Sciences, Minor in Criminology 2023
Artistic experience
J.C Art – Founder & Teaching Artist 2025 – Present
• Create and lead intentional, guided painting workshops centered on healing, self-reflection, and goal-setting
• Develop symbolic art frameworks that help participants visualize personal growth and transformation
The Village for Families & Children – Family Support Specialist 2023 – Present
• Integrate art-based interventions into therapy with children and families at risk for psychiatric hospitalization
• Use creative expression to support emotional regulation, trauma processing, and communication
The Village Enhanced Care Clinic – Volunteer 2025 – Present
• Facilitate art therapy-inspired groups for adolescents under clinical supervision. Create structured spaces for peer connection, identity exploration, and emotional processing
Exhibitions & Public Engagement
Pancakes & Booze, Washington, DC May 2026
• Selected to present work in a group exhibition
Allure Academy: Bloom Exhibition, Queens, NY March 2026
• Selected to present work in a group exhibition celebrating women artists
Open Studio Hartford – Artspace, Hartford, CT November 2026
• Exhibited original artwork to a public audience
Bloom Creative Art Show, 224 Ecospace, Hartford, CT October 2025
• Participated in a live painting event and community engagement activities
Community workshops & Programming
New Year’s Paint & Sip – J.C Art , West Hartford, CT January 2026
• Designed a guided painting experience focused on reflection, healing, and goal-setting
Social Work Month Paint workshop CCMC, Hartford, CT March 2026
• Led a themed painting workshop to medical social workers, highlighting resilience, growth, and the impact of social work.
STATEMENT
My work is rooted in the belief that art is both a form of expression and a pathway to healing. Growing up in Hartford, CT, I witnessed the effects of systemic inequality, limited access to resources, and the lack of creative opportunities for young people. These experiences continue to influence my work and drive my passion for creating meaningful, accessible art.
I use my art to explore emotions that are often difficult to articulate, such as anxiety, resilience, and identity. Through color, texture, and form, I aim to create pieces that reflect both struggle and strength. My process is intuitive and emotionally driven, allowing each piece to evolve as a visual narrative of lived experience.
Working in the mental health field has deepened my understanding of how important creative expression can be, especially for individuals who may not have the words to share their stories. This perspective informs my practice and reinforces my commitment to using art as a tool for connection and empowerment. Ultimately, my goal is to create work that not only resonates with viewers but also encourages them to reflect, feel, and recognize the value of their own voice and creativity.
