Meet Nora Verville | Visual Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nora Verville and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nora, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I was challenged in my 3rd grade class this year to develop a product for Market Days to present to classmates in a fun pretend buy and sell day. I chose to make 10 hand painted pendant necklaces that my grandma taught me how to create. My mom helped me package them, I made my own business name and sign, then took them to Market Days. My classmates really loved the necklaces and they all sold, so my mom encouraged me to try selling them at our school’s holiday market a few months later. We worked hard and finished nearly 200 necklaces/earring sets and keychains, hand painted gift cards and original watercolor pieces to display. Since the first holiday market, I have created more and more abstract art and hand painted gift items that have been displayed at art markets and then displayed at 3 local art galleries.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I create fluid, abstract art using mostly watercolors. I love to use bright colors and to add texture to my pieces. What sets me apart is that I am a 9 year old student. My first paintings were hung and sold in a Houston gallery during the summer of 2021. I am currently a resident artist at The Bella Bottega and Gallery Skye.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My favorite spots in Houston are The Houston Museum of Fine Arts and The Menil galleries. I love to see what new exhibits are shown with my mom and grandma. I also love to go to Sawyer Yards during open studio days to peek in artist studios.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My grandma Barbara, also an artist, is the one that has taught me how to paint and create abstract pieces. She has encouraged me to try new things, not to be afraid of experimenting, and that there is never a failed piece of art. Also, my family has all pitched in to help me. My mom helps frame, name and tag all of the art pieces to bring and hang at markets and in the galleries. My brothers and little sister come along with my dad to help unload and set up at each market day. And, my older brother works every Second Sunday with me to pass out site maps to gallery guests when they arrive.

Instagram: www.instagranm.com/artbynorav

Facebook: www.facebook.com/artbynorav

Image Credits
Paige Beitler Photography