The Friends of the Monroeville Public Library is hosting artwork from Nicole Given and Nevenka Kostley in the Gallery Space from March 27 to April 29.
An opening reception for “Educators as Artists” will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. April 4. Many pieces from their collections will be for sale.
Given and Kostley are not only artists, but also friends who met at McKeesport Area School District.
Originally from La Serena, Chile, Kostley, who now resides in North Versailles, met Given while substituting for her art class during Given’s maternity leave with her youngest son.
“Balancing life as teachers and mothers naturally brought us closer, and our friendship grew through many meaningful conversations about life, motherhood, teaching and art,” Kostley said.
Kostley and Given’s older children were the same age and became friends.
“That early connection quickly revealed how much we had in common — especially our shared interests in art, travel and teaching,” added Given, a White Oak resident. “While our professional relationship began in the classroom, our passion for art played a major role in deepening our friendship.”
Given received her teaching certificate and bachelor’s degree in studio art from Seton Hill University and her master’s degree in art education from Carlow University.
Inspired by everyday moments, the outdoors and travel, Given’s pieces reflect a strong foundation in drawing, painting and crafting. She enjoys drawing mandalas and experimenting with watercolor, sewing, jewelry and painting. Given loves the meditative nature of mark-making — the act of creating a series of dots, lines or textures.
“I’ve always loved art. Creativity was a natural part of my upbringing — my mom worked with floral arrangements, and my dad loved to draw when he was younger,” Given said. “As a child, art felt familiar and comfortable.”
In elementary school, Given struggled with reading and writing while creative activities came much easier to her.
“It became a place where I felt confident and successful,” Given said.
As Given got older, art took on an even deeper — and cathartic — role in her life.
“(Art) became a way to process big emotions and experiences and gave me a visual language when words weren’t enough,” Given said. “Today, creating art remains both grounding and expressive — a lifelong practice that continues to evolve alongside me.”
Kostley is a World Language elementary teacher and teaches Spanish and music. She earned her bachelor’s degrees in art education and graphic design and communication from the University of La Serena in Chile and worked as a high school art teacher. After relocating to the states, Kostley continued her artistic and academic journey, earning a master’s degree in art education from Carlow University.
Kostley finds delight in botanicals and nature-inspired subjects such as flowers, leaves and birds. Refined elements and a vibrant color style reflect her love for detail and strong, expressive lines.
Kostley likes working with colored pencils and exploring watercolor techniques, a medium she feel passionate about and continues to learn from.
“I love how unpredictable and expressive watercolor can be,” she said. “Color and softness are a big part of what draws me to these materials.”
Kostley’s first and greatest inspiration was her grandmother, who shared her love of art and nature with Kostley from an early age.
“Over time, that early inspiration grew into a deep commitment to creating and eventually led me to become an art teacher. Her influence still lives in my work today,” Kostley said.
Throughout the years, Kostley and Given’s mutual love for art has created a bond that inspires their work as educators and as artists.
“I am incredibly grateful for my friend, Nicole, who constantly inspires me to keep creating and growing as an artist,” Kostley said. “What began as a professional connection has blossomed into a genuine, supportive and a beautiful friendship.”
Kostley and Given said they are grateful to be able to showcase their work. They hope the exhibit will encourage others, especially educators, to make time for their own creative practices.
Given added: “Libraries play such an important role in making art accessible, and it’s an honor to exhibit in a space that welcomes creativity, learning and connection.”