Carmela Madison was born in Livorno, Italy in 1947. As an infant returning from World War 2 her parents settled in New Jersey. She attended schools in Franklin Township and took many art courses having found a love in the arts from an early age.

Planning to pursue a degree in Fashion Design her pursuit was halted when she married and had two children Michelle and Maria. During this time she joined the Suburban Artist Guild and continued painting and exhibiting. Her participation involved exhibiting her work in shows in Franklin, Highland Park, East Brunswick, Bound Brook, Menlo Park, the Nutley Arts Festival.

Her exhibitions earned her awards in 1969 and 1970. They include 2nd place-“Taking a stroll”- watercolors- 2nd place -collage -“Black Revolution 1969- and 2nd place- collage with oils -The Mood Of A Ghetto”.She also had an exhibition of her work at the Franklin library. Work completed in those years were humanistic, compassion for causes affecting society.
Later Carmela attended Rutgers University and Livingston Colleges obtaining a BA Degree in Art Education With certification to teach Kdg. - 12. She taught Art in the New Brunswick School System and East Orange Public Schools as well as Summer Enrichment Programs in East Windsor, Somerset, East Orange and New Brunswick. She continued studies at Kean College and Middlesex County college with credits in Holocaust studies and Teacher Effectiveness styles. She retired in 2004 early to care for an ill mom in S.C, There she pursued a decorating business called MellaBella and also creating centerpieces and wreaths for many occasions.

Participating in a summer arts institute for teachers in 1990 she had the pleasure of working with instructor Joseph Smith from Pratt Institute who opened up an interest in expressionistic painting. Prior to this her main interest was realism. She participated in an exhibit at the Institute.

In the years of 1990’s & 2010 she traveled to Japan, Europe and Africa getting a greater awareness and appreciation of Art & culture. She hopes to incorporate her insights in future works. She does not confine herself to a style but, loves the freedom to explore new concepts as inspired.