By Jennifer Hernandez

Here at BBES, we all know that Mrs. Jennifer DiZefalo is a talented teacher, but did you know she is also a working artist, showing and selling her paintings all over the country? Here is a Q&A I conducted with Mrs. DiZefalo via Google Docs earlier this year.

From left, Mrs. DiZefalo works on the Kingsley Street Mural; with her son Henry at the Sea Hear Now Mural 2022; Earth and Air; and Fire and Water.

Q: What are some recent art pieces you’ve made outside of school? And where can we find them?: 

A: I worked in collaboration with photographer Sara Stadtmiller on a mural for the Sea Hear Now festival. We created an abstract version of a seascape. That mural is now on its way to the Asbury Park Train Station for permanent display.

My painting, Earth and Air, was selected to be part of  The Invincible Visible – Transformer Gallery’s 19th Annual Exhibition & Benefit Auction at American University in Washington D.C. last month. I also have paintings at Parlor Gallery in Asbury Park.

Q: What are the meanings behind your art pieces?

A: After painting a 20-foot outdoor mural at 1700 Kingsley Street in Asbury Park in 2022,  the challenge of working in the elements inspired a new series of paintings. I created Earth and Air first, and recently painted a new piece called Fire and Water.

Q: Have you ever sold your art, and if you have, for how much?:

A: Yes, most of my work ranges between $400 and $800. I recently sold a piece at the Washington D.C. show.

Q: Who is your favorite artist?

A: That changes all the time, maybe too many to say. The exhibition I was most excited to see this Fall is Judy Chicago at the New Museum. My favorite local artist is George Bates. He has murals around the country and visited our seventh-grade art class last year.

Q: Where do you do your paintings?  

A: I share a painting space with a friend in Asbury Park, but I also paint at home sometimes.

Q: Why did you decide to become an artist?

A: I didn’t really decide to be an artist. Art is what I understand best. I am most confident when I am making art.

Q: Where did you learn to become an artist? What school?

A: The summer after eighth grade, I took classes at the School of Visual Arts’ high school and middle school program. All through high school, I attended the Fashion Institute of Technology’s Saturday classes for high schoolers. After high school, I studied painting at SVA and completed my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. I still love taking art classes. I’ve taken art classes at Brookdale, Stockton, NJCU, William Paterson, and Kean, as well as many private workshops with practicing artists. There is always something to learn.

Q: How long have you been teaching?

A: I’ve been teaching art for 25 years. I started teaching children at a private art and dance school called the Movement Space in Hoboken, NJ. After realizing how much I enjoyed teaching, I went back to school for my teaching certificate. I taught in New Brunswick, NJ for five years, then began teaching in Bradley Beach in 2005. Bradley Beach is my favorite place to teach art.