Alba Gisselle Perez, affectionately known as “Gigi,” embarked on her artistic journey from a young age, often finding herself lost in her imagination and captivated by the world around her. This early sense of wonder and introspection became the foundation of her artistic expression. Raised in Pennsylvania with Dominican roots, Alba was deeply influenced by her cultural heritage, and she began to explore art as a means to capture the beauty and complexity of her experiences. Over her 30-year career, Alba has evolved into a multi-disciplinary artist celebrated for her skill in painting, mural art, body art, and mixed media. She has honed her craft in oils, acrylics, pastels, and charcoal, using these media to bring vivid, culturally rich pieces to life. Her work has spanned murals in places like Hazleton, Mexico, Kingston, Hazel Township, Nuremberg, and Freeland, each reflecting a unique connection to the communities she serves. Alba’s journey also includes founding Gigi’s Sip, Paint, and Gogh in 2015, which later transformed into ArtLife Studio—a community-centered creative hub offering workshops, sip and paints, exhibitions, open mic poetry nights, kids’ art programs, and summer camps. Through ArtLife, she has nurtured countless artists of all ages, bringing art education and accessible creativity to underserved areas. Alba’s dedication to community and culture extends beyond her studio. In 2022, she collaborated with the Hazleton Integration Project Center, where her mural of Frida Kahlo became a learning tool for young students. Her work has gained broader recognition, as she was featured in the PBS/WVIA documentary American Portrait (2021), sharing her story as a Latina artist and immigrant. In 2023, she participated in the Immigrants Then and Now exhibit at the Anthracite Museum in Scranton, celebrating the rich contributions of immigrant communities in Pennsylvania. Internationally, Alba has connected with artists worldwide, notably during an eightday residency in Mexico, where she collaborated with artists from diverse backgrounds to create murals and share in daily meditation and creative exercises. This experience further fueled her commitment to creating spaces where art, community, and cultural identity intersect. Alba continues to inspire through her work and her role as a mentor, board member of the Hazleton Art League, and member of the Freeland Recreation Board. Through ArtLife Studio’s latest venture in Freeland, she remains devoted to nurturing creativity and building community, believing that art has the power to transform lives and connect people across cultures and experiences.