Merenda Cecelia lives and works in Richmond, Virginia. She is an artist and state-certified art educator with extensive experience in ceramic and mosaic work. She has taught for 20 years in a variety of settings including public and private schools, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, and The Visual Arts Center of Richmond since graduating with a BFA in Art Education from Virginia Commonwealth University.  She has facilitated interior and exterior mosaic tile murals and teacher workshops through residencies in schools and local arts organizations. She is currently teaching youth and adult classes at The Visual Arts Center of Richmond as well as 43rd Street Studios. She is the creator and coordinator of The Cocoon, a mobile art gallery and Tarot parlor. You can find her ceramic work in local shops and galleries.

Merenda spent her childhood in a tight knit community in rural Virginia, raised by a single mom who built houses for a living. Growing up surrounded by the forest gave her a sincere connection with the natural world of the Eastern Woodlands. Spending time on farms and among builders fostered an appreciation of craftsmanship and the ability to use your hands. Through teaching, she hopes to help her students gain some of the growth, satisfaction, and confidence found in the creative process.