Jill Cucci Art & Mentorship

Introducing our new collection of all-occasion cards- A SERIES OF BIRDS!
Jill is well known for her portrayal of these joyous creatures, now together in a pack of 5. Perfect for any event or just to say hello. Grab yours now: https://www.jillcucci.com/category/retail-shop

P.S. Last chance on the 2025 holiday greeting card pack. Only 4 remaining.
Now $15, originally $20. Get a free 5x7 with gold lined envelope and wax seal if you mention this post!

BIG STUDIO SALE: 50% OFF!
It’s time to make space for a creative new year! 🎨 As we head toward 2026, my head is full of new ideas, but my studio is full of big canvases. I need to clear the walls to let the new work in.
I have 3 FRAMED LARGE (4'x3') paintings available for this discount.

✨"IKEBANA"📏 36" x 48" 🎨 Mixed media on canvas

✨"HORIZON" 📏 36" x 48" 🎨 Mixed media on canvas

✨"PERFECTLY IMPERFECT" 📏 36" x 48" 🎨 Mixed media on canvas

The Deal: This is 50% off my direct Studio Pricing. 💰 Price: $1350 (Gallery price $3000) + Shipping, or Free Shipping- pick it up : )

👇 HOW TO BUY: First person to DM me or comment "SOLD" gets it! I will message you directly to arrange payment and shipping. Serious inquiries only, please.

https://youtube.com/shorts/nL-tusAARJA?si=ehlucYzIQXOBr1Tt

The Secret To Making A Beautiful Violet Want to know the secret to mixing the most beautiful violet? A lot of people already know that you can add red to ultramarine blue. But not all reds work. Ca...

THIS 8x10 mixed media work on paper needs a title!
Help me choose a name and if I pick yours I’ll send you a handmade journal 📓😍
DM your email for me to let you know if you won! 24 hours!
🏆

Curator? Coordinator? Teacher? maybe.

As we get ready for the WITH OR WITHOUT exhibition opening this Friday at Prism Arts Philadelphia (1021 Hamilton St), I’ve been reflecting on what my role is in all of this.

Am I the curator? Not quite.
The gallery owners are both photographers and gatekeepers; they are handling the layout and promo materials.
I’m more like the teacher in the room—keeping the artists on track, reminding folks when things are due, helping troubleshoot, and organizing the behind-the-scenes details that make a group show happen.

I liked being in this role—supporting other artists, holding space, and building something together. (If you know me from my Art Barn days, you know I loved curating shows there and getting local art on display and sold : )

The 13 participating artists have studios in the Arts + Crafts Holdings buildings—spaces that preserve Philly’s industrial history while making room for creative work. It's a thriving community, and this show is a reflection of that.

Here’s a quick peek at what I’ve been up to:
🔹 Coordinating drop-offs
🔹 Gathering images, bios, and prices
🔹 Answering questions, fixing problems
🔹 Reminding (a lot of reminding)
🔹 Bridging communication between artists and the gallery

We start planning the hanging today.
And after the opening on Friday, we’ll be downstairs at Love City Brewing (1023 Hamilton St) to celebrate.

If you’re in the area—come by!

Stay tuned for some behind-the-scenes pics from the install.

"Seriously, What's the Studio Life Really Like?"

I get asked all the time what my week is like at the art studio. You know, the usual questions: "Do you just, like, make stuff all day?" "Can you buy art right there?" "Is it a gallery or something fancy?" And the ever-practical, "How do you even pay for that?!" 😉

It dawned on me that having a studio outside of the home might sound different, maybe even a bit unusual to some. So, I wanted to give you a real peek behind the scenes of my creative life:

My days often start with the sun. Coffee and my journal are a must, and 3x a week 7:10 am BootCamp gym class (I am an X- Crossfit ju**ie). Then it's the usual morning stuff: shower, packing my bag (laptop, lunch, and always some kind of gluten-free treat), and the twice-a-week son-chauffeur duties because I want to help him save $.

Then I head to the studio! About a 7 minute drive, find street parking. Out comes my phone, tap the Brio app – click, the door's unlocked. I usually pop into the mailroom to see if any exciting packages have arrived (fingers crossed for art supplies!). Then, if the stairs are looking particularly daunting, it's the elevator up to the second floor.

The walk to my studio, #216, always has a little highlight. As I turn the corner, there's almost always Kelly, another artist. Her door's usually open, music's playing, and she's always got a friendly "good morning!" It's a nice little human moment to start the day. I walk past the Fleisher/Olman gallery (not open yet), and then I'm unlocking my space on the right.

The simple act of opening that door is always a good feeling. Off come the shoes (comfort is key!), up go the blinds to let in some light. I set up my laptop and tuck my lunch in the little fridge – gotta get the practical stuff out of the way first.

Then comes the artistic prep. I look at the different pieces I'm working on (I usually have a few going at once). I grab my water bowls and head down the hall to the slop sink to fill them up. There is a ghost in the bathroom, I'll tell that story another day.

And then I have the daily debate: door open or closed? Do I need to focus and have some privacy, or am I open to chats and maybe even a visitor? Most days, I leave it slightly open. A little "hello" to the other artists, and who knows, maybe someone will be curious enough to peek in! I put on a podcast or some music – my creative fuel.

And then? I just get to work. I make art. It sounds simple, but it's really about experimenting, figuring things out, and just enjoying the process of creating something. I'm an artist, and getting to spend this part of my life doing what I love in my own dedicated space feels pretty amazing. It's a cool part of the world to be in, surrounded by other people making things happen.

So yeah, that's a little snapshot of my studio life! Maybe someday you can swing by and see it for yourself. 😊

I've been there. Full-time art teacher, single mom, second and third jobs... squeeking in some painting. Never devoting enough time to let a series develop or an idea to fully emerge. No room in the house for your "craft" P.S. I HATE that word.
I also dislike the word, PASSION. However it's always been mine to share the love of art- And I really am giving away a free online 30 minute session. I do travel, and organize really well.
If you'd like to chat message me.
I want to help you make your art AGAIN.
🥰 Jill
www.jillcucci.com
Instagram

RETURNING TO YOUR ART?
Let’s Make It Easier.💪

Stepping back into your art practice after time away can feel overwhelming—I've been there. Between work, parenting, and life’s demands, it’s easy to put your art on the back burner. But your creative voice never truly disappears.

I mentor returning artists—especially moms and those who had to step away—helping them rebuild their practice, set up their studio, and find their creative flow again. Whether you're feeling stuck or just need direction, I offer a free 30-minute consultation to help you take that first step.

DM, email, or go to www.jillcucci.com
Let's set up that FREE 30 minute consultation and get you working again

LAST CALL: Name That Painting!

I’ll be choosing the title—and the winner🏆—by Noon 3/23!
If you haven’t submitted a name yet, now’s your chance.
If I select your title, you’ll receive a free 5x7 artwork as a thank-you.

Drop your title ideas in the comments, and don’t forget to DM me your email so I can reach you if you win.

GOOD LUCK!