Donnamarie Davis

Growing up in & around Philadelphia, the Arts became a way of life for multiple generations of my family. My Great-Great Grandfather emigrated from Italy, & was an Architect/Builder; he helped build Connie Mack Stadium. My Maternal Grandparents designed & created clothing, My Mother & Uncle sang Opera, my Aunt was a concert pianist, & my Father sculpted...the Arts were a tradition in our Italian/Italian American culture. My love for drawing & painting wildlife began at an early age; I'm told that I sold my1st painting to my Uncle at 4 years old, for 5cents. The late Gene London encouraged me to pursue Art (I cherish a faded letter he wrote to me & a drawing he made for me.) Years later, after receiving one of my drawings, Disney Studios called & offered me an apprenticeship...a dream come true! A Bronze Award in an International Illustrators' competition in New York led to 2 offers to be a Creative Director (in California & Philadelphia.) But, while studying Art & Theatre in London, En