Artist Bio: Carol Alvarado

Carol Jean Alvarado was born in San Jose California in 1943. Her early childhood memories are filled with memories of living with various family members including her Grandmother who was a gifted seamstress and her Grandfather, a carpenter and painter who exposed Carol to the excitement of colors and bringing things to life through art.

Despite frequent moving and turmoil, Carol took advantage of every opportunity to draw and scribble on anything she could get her hands on. The beginning of her art foundation was unfolding and the next step was at St. Mary of the Palms School for Girls. She spent several of the years from age six to 14 in a convent for girls, later addressing the court system to put herself in a boarding school for girls in L.A., "Convent of the Good Shepherd." There, under the watchful eye and guidance of Sister Jeannette, a gifted art teacher, she practically moved into the art classroom.

At 17 she graduated and entered the Cloister of The Sister of the Cross. In this Contemplative Cloister of silence and prayer, she took are art to new forms and depths.

For seven years she took charge of the art room - printing and painting for hours while producing watercolors and illustrations for greeting cards, scripture verses, and other artwork used to thank benefactors who supported the work of the Sisters throughout the world.

Eventually, Carol left the order and studied at Ventura College as well as with private instructors. She paints anything that catches her emotions and spark a flame that "sets her soul on fire" - spiritual moments with a healing touch, beatitudes, God, Angels, colors, people, children, far away places, complex concepts, flowers, animals, fairies, mermaids - any subjects that touch her, touch her roots, and bring her closer to her Divine Reality which brings colors to life and moves the depth of her soul.