Veronica Figueroa Velez |Director of administrations|Artist

My journey with art started at fourteen, painting murals and exploring 3D projects in a church back home in Puerto Rico. Those first brushes with creativity felt like more than a hobby—they turned into a core part of who I am. In 1994, I traded the warmth of Puerto Rico for the deep winters of Madison, Wisconsin. The cold was a shock, and I missed my family, the sun, and the familiar sound of the Coquí. In those moments of homesickness, art became my anchor. Painting helped me stay connected to my roots and gave me room to find myself again. That connection inspired me to pursue art more seriously, and I earned my Associate Degree in Graphic Design from Madison College.

Over time, Madison became home. I began to see art as a way to bring people together and give voice to our community’s concerns and stories. That curiosity led me to complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Art Therapy at Edgewood College in 2014. Around the same time, I took on the role of Executive Director for UNIDOS Against Domestic Violence, where I worked to integrate art into the healing process for survivors—helping them rebuild and find comfort through creative expression. Those experiences showed me just how transformative art can be.

Art, for me, has always been more than self-expression. It’s a tool for healing, a bridge to new experiences, and a catalyst for dialogue. Through my small business, MVF Art and Design, I’ve partnered with organizations like Dane Arts Mural Arts (DAMA), working with a team of passionate artists dedicated to making Dane County brighter and more connected. Mural-making is our way of sparking conversations, building community, and even preventing violence through creativity.

In 2016, I joined DAMA as a volunteer, eventually serving as executive director from 2020 to 2023. Today, I work full-time with Public Health Madison and Dane County, while continuing to support DAMA part-time through sustainability efforts and grant writing. My commitment to community—especially to young people—runs deep, and I’m always searching for new ways to build bridges through art.

Currently, I’m working toward my Master’s in Art Therapy at Edgewood College, with an anticipated graduation in 2027. Every step of this journey has strengthened my belief that we are all creative beings, and that our originality helps us endure, adapt, and truly thrive.