Alumna Callie Avellino '14 Returns to EA with 'Take It Easy'

The Crawford Campus Center Gallery kicked off its 2026-27 season with a candid slice of shore life and a familiar face behind the paintbrush. Featuring the loose, airy works of Philadelphia-based artist and EA alumna Callie Avellino '14, Take It Easy opened with an artist's reception on Oct. 1, bringing a warm, lighthearted perspective to campus.

"There is something especially meaningful about beginning our gallery season by welcoming an alumna back to campus and sharing where her creative path has taken her since leaving EA," said Middle School Art Teacher and Gallery Coordinator Meghan Cangi. 

Inspired by the "people, personalities, and perfectly ordinary moments" observed in Avalon, New Jersey, the exhibition captures "the characters around me and the little moments that happen when people are relaxed and unaware that anyone is watching," Callie explained.

From sunbathers sprawled in the sand to unique beach attire and subtle, expressive postures, Callie's brushstrokes trade rigid perfectionism for pure personality. The collection, which also incorporates pieces from her Ladies of Leisure series, celebrates leisure, observation, and the subtle humor found in ordinary life. "There is something freeing about observing people when they aren't posing or performing," she said. "Life can feel very serious with deadlines, responsibilities, and expectations. I hope these paintings give people a moment to pause, look around, laugh at something light, and remember that we're allowed to enjoy ourselves, too."

For Callie, bringing this body of work back to campus marks a full-circle moment, as her foundation as an artist took shape in EA’s studios. "Some of my earliest and most formative experiences as an artist happened right here," she said. "Mr. [David] Sigel and Ms. [Hilary] Hutchison encouraged my creativity, gave me space to experiment, and helped foster the love of art that eventually led me to where I am today."

During her visit, Callie also returned to the art classrooms where she first developed her craft. Spending time with Upper School Honors 2-D Design III and seventh grade art students, she shared insights into her creative process, answered questions, and worked alongside emerging student artists.

"Seeing how Callie has grown as an artist since her time at EA is deeply rewarding," said Visual Arts Chair David Sigel, Hon. "I'm proud of her for having the courage to pursue her work fully and for the care and humor she brings to it. Her paintings reveal an artist who takes the time to look closely and finds something worth celebrating in the moments others might pass by."

After EA, Callie earned a degree in fine arts and communications from Penn State University, studied abroad at the Studio Arts Center International in Florence, and spent several years in the corporate world before taking the leap to pursue art full time and launching her business, CallieCo Paints, in January 2024.

"I create bold, custom, and a little unexpected artwork, from live watercolor portraits at weddings and major events to hand-painted purses, pet portraits, and original paintings," Callie said. "What started as a creative outlet has grown into my full-time career, and I still feel incredibly lucky that I get to make art for a living. I'm excited to keep pushing myself, expanding my reach, and seeing where this whole art thing takes me next."

Her live watercolor portraits, custom artwork, and hand-painted designs have led to work with clients including the Philadelphia Flyers, Yelp, The Ritz-Carlton, Tito's Vodka, and Woodford Reserve, and her work has been featured on FOX29, PHL17, and 6ABC.

"Callie's path shows our students what is possible when you follow your creative passion," Ms. Cangi said. "Having her work on campus is a wonderful reminder of where an EA education can lead, and we hope everyone takes the opportunity to view her exhibition."

Take It Easy will be on display in the Crawford Campus Center Gallery through mid-October.