Nicole Curreri is the artist behind A is for Apple, the beautiful painting featured on the fall cover of The Showcase Magazine.

Nicole enjoyed a successful career as a buyer in retail. After retiring and moving back to Brick, New Jersey, for the fourth time, painting became her daily passion.

She began painting in her late forties, taking informal classes with a friend. Although inspiration has come and gone over the years, her love for creating art has remained constant. In 2015, she earned a ribbon at the Ocean County College Annual Art Exhibition. Her work has also been exhibited at the Galleria in Ocean Grove and the Canterbury Art Show in Rumson, and she proudly participates each year in the Long Beach Island Holiday Art Fair.

A practical Taurus at heart, Nicole compiles her favorite paintings into an annual calendar that she sells and gives as gifts to friends and family. Proceeds from the sale of her artwork are donated to Parkinson's and Alzheimer's research in memory of her two brothers, who each lost their lives to these devastating diseases.

Life has now come full circle. A year ago, Nicole was diagnosed with Parkinsonism herself. Despite the challenges, she continues to paint whenever she can, embracing her evolving "style" and creating for as long as she is able.

"Thank you for helping me fulfill my promise to the universe to support the causes that have so deeply affected my family."

Nicole's favorite subjects are florals, fruits, and vegetables, though she also enjoys painting landscapes and seascapes. She is also available to create custom house and pet portraits.

To view Nicole's artwork or contact her, visit Nicole-curreri.artistwebsites.com.

"That's my story, and I'm sticking to it."