Marea Cordero
Marea Cordero is a multidisciplinary artist, educator, and community facilitator with over twenty years of experience in creative fields, including visual arts, costume design, and window display. She has developed her career across New York City and the Chicago area, excelling as a freelancer, small business entrepreneur, and contributor to non-profit organizations and project management initiatives. Marea exhibits her visual art professionally through local galleries and organizations such as Twist Out Cancer. She is also a certified Illinois substitute teacher and holds a 200-hour yoga certification from Yoga to the People, reflecting her dedication to holistic wellness, creativity, and lifelong learning.
Marea earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a focus in Printmaking and a minor in Art History from the University of Kansas, and studied abroad at Staffordshire University in England. She is an active member of “Sinag,” a Filipino American Artist Collective in Chicago, and co-founded MAP (Makers of Art and People), a local artist group fostering collaboration, mentorship, and artistic growth. Passionate about teaching and creative expression, she has led workshops in drawing, paper cutting, and other art forms for both children and adults, inspiring confidence, curiosity, and experimentation.
In addition to her visual art practice, Marea facilitates healing circles and mindfulness-based wellness classes that integrate yoga, meditation, breathwork, Pilates, and creative expression. Her programs emphasize community building, restorative justice, and personal empowerment, creating spaces where individuals can explore self-awareness and connection. With a curious mind, upbeat attitude, and collaborative spirit, Marea brings vision, experience, and enthusiasm to every endeavor, using the arts as a tool for healing, growth, and meaningful social impact. Learn more about her work at bio.site/mareacordero
• 200hr Certification, Yoga Teacher Training/Yoga Therapy
• The University of Kansas - BFA
• School of Visual Arts
• University of Staffordshire
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to experience, adaptability, and a passion for the arts. Over the past twenty years, I have worked in diverse creative fields, from window displays to costume design, and developed skills as a freelancer and small business entrepreneur in New York City. My career spans non-profit organizations, retail, project management, and professional visual art exhibitions around the Chicago area, including collaborations with Twist Out Cancer. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Printmaking, a minor in Art History from the University of Kansas, and study abroad at Staffordshire University in England, I have built a strong foundation that supports my work as an artist, educator, and community builder. I am inspired by the growth and creativity I witness in others and find fulfillment when my skills and vision contribute to meaningful projects.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the arts and creative industries is to actively seek out opportunities to connect and network. Even roles that may seem small or behind-the-scenes can provide invaluable experience, open doors, and allow you to engage in meaningful conversations. Every opportunity is a chance to learn, grow, and build relationships that can lead to future creative and professional possibilities.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both my personal and professional life are creativity, community, and connection. My career has allowed me to travel extensively, from Europe and Japan while working as a camera-person, to England after college, where I expanded my education, language skills, and cultural experiences. I cherish the opportunity to honor my late father, reconnect with my Filipino heritage, and strengthen ties with family, which has always been central to my life. Professionally, I am most proud of co-founding Design Space Concepts, where we were featured in the BKLN: Expo of Brooklyn at the Milwaukee Museum, highlighting our original handbags alongside talented artists and designers. I have also committed to giving back through volunteering with Housing Works, supporting job training, medical care, and advocacy for LGBTQ and marginalized communities, where I eventually served as Vision Director. These experiences reflect my dedication to fostering meaningful connections, empowering others, and bringing creativity and insight to every project I undertake.
Locations
Private Company
Oak Park, IL 60302