Meet the Artist: Keri Sparenga, Colorfaux Murals by Keri

By Kelli Comer

Blessed with a vivid and active imagination, local painter Keri Sparenga comes from a family with an artistic disposition, from drawing and painting to floral arranging to singing and playing a musical instrument, they seem to do it all. Keri’s skill blossomed as a self-taught painter with an insatiable appetite to learn every artistic avenue she could.

“Creating art is in my essence,” says Keri. “Inspiration is all around us, and we are so lucky to be living in this technological age where a picture or thought is instantly at your fingertips.”

Growing up, art class was always Keri’s favorite. She asked for painting supplies for her birthday, and thus emerged her early career. As a child, Keri decorated and sold many things—from lunch bags and note cards to bracelets, sweatshirts and more. Eventually she moved on up to painting murals in her bedroom, in her grandmother’s stairwell, and then in churches and schools.

“I never thought about exactly what I wanted to do as I grew up, but I knew I wanted to be a painter in some form,” comments Keri. “After working as an office manager in a medical office for almost 15 years, this is a nice change.”

Keri’s freelance painting business, Colorfaux Murals by Keri, keeps her busy with both residential and commercial commissioned work. She has worked in a variety of mediums, including portrait, windows, home goods, signs and face painting for events. She often volunteers her skills at schools, churches, community events, the Girl Scouts and non-profit organizations.

When it comes to murals, there is a lot of preparation work that needs to be factored in before Keri starts designing. She plans out each mural in intricate form, spending countless hours, days and sometimes weeks coming up with proposals, a list of materials, referencing photos, doing sketches and sorting out budgets.

“I want my work to convey how much I sincerely care about the customer, and I want to help other businesses grow and flourish,” Keri explains.

“It is important to me that I am earning trust through hard work, dependability, friendliness, consideration, cleanliness, punctuality and honesty. I am that person you can trust with the front door key.”

To reach Keri, you can email her at kerisparenga75@gmail.com. Visit MuralsbyKeri.com to learn more about the artist and her work. Like Keri on Facebook @MuralsByKeri. Locally, you can find her work adorning the walls of many small businesses, including On the Rocks Climbing Gym, Strongsville Smile Keepers and Rudy’s Strudel and Bakery.