Nanci Hersh’s life is her canvas, and water is where she finds peace and healing. Whether she is in the studio or classroom, on the yoga mat, in or near the water, she is passionate about sharing her stories, joy and gratitude. Having lived many years in Hawaii, she received her MFA from the University of Hawaii while managing the Pegge Hopper Gallery, teaching and surfing. Currently,
her backyard pond is her sanctuary to to sit, meditate, practice yoga, and paint.

Pond life is continually moving and changing with the weather, the seasons, as well as moment to moment. Some of her smaller pieces are snapshots – moments frozen in time. The larger paintings are more like water itself, constantly in flux, with life shifting above and below the surface. Koi, a symbol of strength and perseverance are woven through patterns of netting and colors, above and below the surface. Rich textures are created with oils and acrylic, spray paint and often collage. Her two dimensional work as well as her sculptures and installations are examinations and celebrations of life at his best- and most challenging. It is how she make sense of the world, and connects with others.

With her cousin and author, Ellen McVicker, Nanci illustrated and co-created the children’s book Butterfly Kisses and Wishes on Wings: When someone you love has cancer… a hopeful, helpful book for kids. http://www.butterflykissesbook.com/ She is a master teaching artist and continues to share her experience, knowledge and energy with students of all ages and abilities.

Her work has been exhibited throughout the United States including “Eons Beyond the Rib,” at Seraphin Gallery in Philadelphia, PA, “Navigation Puzzle,” at the Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts, “Paper Work”, at the Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie and “The Demoiselles Revisited” at Francis M. Naumann Fine Art, NYC, along with solo exhibitions in PA, NJ, DE, and Hawaii. Nanci has received numerous honors including three purchase awards from the State Foundation of Culture and the Arts, Hawaii and two Leeway Foundation Art & Change Grants. Her work is included in the Public Collections of Johnson & Johnson, Herspace Breast Imaging, Leland Portland Cement, and OSI Pharmaceuticals to name a few.

She lives in beautiful Chester County, PA with her husband, two teenage sons, dogs, and her backyard koi fish pond.