About ASH
Alyssa Herrera is a multidisciplinary artist and educator with 8 years of professional experience in the fine art field. ASH finds beauty in process - her mediums of choice are ones that are based in tradition and true craft. These mediums help her express themes of connection and disconnection, tension, beauty in the overlooked, identity and loss. With many of her works, she doesn’t truly know how it will turn out until the end, which is an element of trust and partnership that connects her to each material.
ASH & Willow is a place for Alyssa to combine her experiences into one studio concept - representing her love for nature & partnership with her loyal studio dog Willow, while creating functional and sculptural works, photography, fine art, and decoration.
Her work is inspired by the textures and colors found in the details of natural environments, and she aims to capture the magic of nature in every piece. Her sculpture work is informed by her photography; taking photographs during meditative times spent in the outdoors and bringing those experiences back home to produce work that is reflective of the natural world as observed through her own unique lens and perspective.
CV / Resume
“Echoes of Emulsion”, Exhibiting Artist, Flemington, NJ (March 2025)
Selected exhibiting artist showing three works in Flemington DIY’s analog photography show.
Witchy Warwick Vendor, Warwick NY (October 2025)
Selected vendor, manage sales and pos, set up and break down vending equipment, exhibit ceramic wares.
Walnut Street Fair Vendor, Montclair NJ (September 2024)
Selected vendor, manage sales and pos, set up and break down vending equipment, exhibit ceramic wares.
Madison Farmer’s Market, Madison NJ (May 2024-Present)
Occasional vendor, manage sales and pos, set up and break down vending equipment, exhibit ceramic wares.
Meet the Maker, Madewell Garden State Plaza, Paramus NJ (February 2024)
Collaborate with Madewell retail management, selected maker to showcase and sell work at pop up in store, manage sales and pos, set up and break down vending equipment, exhibit ceramic wares.
Teaching Artist, NJ (2023-Present)
Ceramics instructor for adults and teens classes, camps, and events at Montclair Mud Clay Studio. One on one instruction, group instruction, studio etiquette and safety.
Bethany Arts Community, Ossining NY (June 2022)
Participating artist in "Impact 2022: Art That Bears Witness" exhibition at Bethany Arts Community in Ossining NY with mixed media drawing and 2 ceramic works on display. https://bethanyarts.org/calendar/impact-2022/
Drowned Lands Brewery, Warwick NY (June 2022)
Participating artist in Drowned Lands Brewery Artist Showcase. Exhibit one large scale watercolor painting for a month long display.
Fine Art Educator, NJ Public Schools (September 2018-present)
Secondary fine art educator focusing in photography instruction as well as drawing, painting, and sculpture
Curator & Participating Artist, Trenton City Ellarslie Museum, Trenton NJ (May 2018)
Head Curator and participating artist of "Exploration of Mediums" at the Ellarslie Museum in Trenton NJ.
Makerspace Technician, The College of New Jersey, Ewing, NJ (2017-2018)
Collaborate with the makerspace management team in managing makerspace equipment, assist and educate 20+ college students in production of projects using 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC, and other machinery, as well as Adobe Suite Programs.
Exhibiting Artist, Numina Gallery, Princeton NJ (2017)
Participating artist at "Sculptures & Installations" exhibition at Princeton High School's Numina Gallery. Exhibit 3 large scale sculpture works in various fiber and sculpture media.
Artist Apprentice, Rutgers Stedman Gallery, Camden NJ (September 2017)
Artist apprentice to participating professional artist Elizabeth Mackie. Exhibit 3 Installation works from TCNJ's Summer Muse Apprenticeship Program in "Space Invaders” exhibition at Rutgers Stedman Gallery.
MUSE Mentor, The College of New Jersey, Ewing NJ (2017)
Artist apprentice to TCNJ Art Department Professor. 6 week Summer Apprenticeship Intern Program producing large scale installation works ending in exhibition participation at TNCJ's Gallery and Rutgers Stedman Gallery.
Teaching Assistant, The College of New Jersey, Ewing NJ (Spring 2016)
Fiber Art Studio Course Technician. Professor's teaching assistant in 300 level studio course instruction on fiber arts. Lead demos in paper making, weaving, fabric dyeing, etc. Instruct on skills and techniques. Mentor and teach under faculty supervision.