As a youngster, Kiki’s talents were recognized by a grammar school teacher.  She was awarded two consecutive scholarships to a weekly program at the renowned Art Institute of Chicago.Over the years, Kiki developed her skills and style working as a self-taught artist, primarily categorized as Realism. In 1970, while walking through her neighborhood in Park Ridge, Illinois, she noticed a storefront sign offering art classes. It was there that she was introduced to famed artist Gianni Cilfone, whom she studied under for eight years. Kiki’s medium is oil paints and her subject matter is primarily but not limited to still life and landscapes. Nearly all of her paintings are original creations or interpretations of subjects, her preference being not to use a picture or modeled arrangement as a point of reference. She has personal favorites in her collection commenting, “It just makes me happy to look at them.” Like a true artist, she has revisited her paintings throughout the years, at times she tweaks them a bit and others may have an entirely different painting hidden beneath what is in clear view.  Often expressing how grateful she is for her talent, two of her favorite experiences include painting murals in the classrooms of the church she attends in Jacksonville, Florida and a commissioned painting though a chance meeting on an airplane after a trip to Chicago. Kiki remains passionate about art and at 87 years old continues to paint, often expressing how her talent has brought her many years of joy. Kiki’s work has been exhibited and sold primarily in the Chicago-land area, including Park Ridge, Illinois where she resided for 11 years.