Melissa Maiello is an artist and art educator living and working in Long Island, New York. Maiello received a B.A. in Art Education from Adelphi University. While pursuing her undergraduate degree, Maiello studied art and art history internationally at S.A.C.I Florence in Italy. She also acquired an M.S. in Special Education from Dowling College and her MFA at Long Island University. Maiello’s primary medium is charcoal, however she is also an active photographer, exploring different environments in an effort to document her surroundings. She has shown her work in local galleries, libraries and art fairs throughout New York.