Welcome
**Priscilla Cruz: Art, Service, and Personal Growth**
Priscilla Cruz is an art student at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) in Baltimore, but her path to art has been anything but typical. Before pursuing her passion for painting and design, Priscilla served as a Geospatial Intelligence Analyst in the United States Marine Corps. Now, as an artist, she brings a unique perspective shaped by her experiences in the military, her upbringing, and her personal journey through feminism.
### From the Military to MICA
Priscilla grew up in New York City before moving to Reading, Pennsylvania, where she spent much of her childhood. After high school, she decided to join the United States Marine Corps, where she worked as a Geospatial Intelligence Analyst. The discipline and focus she developed in the military have carried over into her art practice. As an artist, Priscilla values the balance between structure and creativity. The skills she honed in the military—attention to detail, problem-solving, and staying focused under pressure—continue to guide her artistic process today.
Her time in the Marines also gave her a unique lens through which she sees the world. Whether she’s creating a painting or a digital project, Priscilla approaches her art with the same level of dedication and precision she learned in her military career. Her work reflects a deep commitment to exploring personal identity, the struggles she’s faced, and the growth she’s experienced along the way.
### Music, Feminism, and Art
Priscilla’s work is heavily influenced by music. Growing up, she was surrounded by different sounds—whether it was the pulse of the city in New York or the local music scene in Reading, music has always been a source of inspiration. Today, it still plays a major role in how she creates. Songs often serve as a backdrop for her process, helping to shape the emotions and ideas behind her pieces.
Another major influence on her work is feminism. Priscilla’s exploration of womanhood is reflected in her art, and she continues to navigate what it means to be a woman in the world today. Her experiences as a Marine, a Latina, and now a wife and grandmother all play into how she defines her identity as a feminist. She’s always trying to find ways to represent the complexity of being a woman in today’s society—balancing strength and vulnerability, independence and community.
Through her art, Priscilla tackles themes of empowerment and self-discovery. She uses her experiences to explore the challenges women face and to tell stories of growth, resilience, and finding your place in the world. These themes are central to her work as she continues to develop as an artist.
### Family Life
Outside of her art, Priscilla’s life revolves around her family. She has two pitbulls, Luna and Creed, who bring her plenty of joy and keep her grounded. She’s also incredibly close to her husband, Eric, whose humor and support are a constant source of strength. Eric is there to cheer her on through the ups and downs of her studies, always bringing a lighthearted perspective to the mix.
One of the most important relationships in Priscilla’s life is with her granddaughter, Carmen. Carmen is a constant reminder of what matters most: love, family, and the importance of staying connected to what truly brings joy. Priscilla’s time with Carmen helps her remember the beauty of everyday moments and the importance of family bonds.
### Looking Ahead
As Priscilla continues her studies at MICA, she’s committed to growing as an artist and exploring new ways to express herself. Her work is constantly evolving as she dives deeper into her personal experiences and tries to understand how those intersect with the world around her.
Priscilla Cruz’s art is not just about aesthetics; it’s a reflection of her journey—a journey shaped by the discipline of her military service, the influence of music, her experience with feminism, and the support of her family. Her work reflects who she is and the ongoing process of discovering herself, and that’s something that will continue to resonate as she moves forward in her artistic career.