Scientific Illustrator, Graphic Designer, Educator

I am a multifaceted artist and educator who creates art centered programming to connect teens with the world around them.

Nicole Fanelli is a Scientific Illustrator, graphic designer, and educator who currently works at the Chicago Field Museum of Natural History as the Art and Digital Media Coordinator. Nicole designs and leads art experiences for teens in efforts to create inclusive and creative spaces in museums for teens and beyond.

Nicole received her BFA from School Of The Art Institute of Chicago.

Nicole has been an educator for over 10 years starting as an assistant in high school mentoring peers in After School Matters programs. Nicole's work has spanned across Illinois reaching teens from the southwest, south, and west sides of Chicago all the way up north to Evanston. Her love for museums started at a young age as a Teen Intern at the Art Institute of Chicago.

Nicole is a decorated member of the art community receiving the Rising Star City Honor Roll being nominated for her work on the Art Institute of Chicago’s Teen Council where she pushed forward a mission of equitable access and engagement for teens. She has received numerous scholarships such as the Adobe Creativity Scholarship , Bank of America Chicago Scholarship, and SAIC Merit scholarship for her commitment to creating programming for youth to transform their lives.

Nicole’s work has been showcased in numerous publications such as the Art Institute Of Chicago’s Member Magazine in the articles “Have you Heard? Museums Audio Guides are Changing” for her work on the award winning Teen Audio Guide and “The Next Generation, Expanding Opportunities and Perspectives” as well as the Field Museums News From The Field. Nicole’s Scientific Illustration workshop was featured on CBS News in 2022 “Nonprofit aims to show Black students the possibilities of careers in STEM”.