Andrea Mistretta’s artistic journey began in her parents’ screen printing shop in Waldwick, surrounded by the soothing sounds of jazz and big band music. Her exposure to the world of art and musicians like Louis Prima laid the foundation for a remarkable career that has spanned several decades.
The self-taught artist began drawing at the age of three and worked in her parents’ shop throughout her teenage years. After high school, she studied Historic Period Dress at the Traphagen School of Design in New York City and followed her passion for fashion illustration and graphic design, and wherever else life has serendipitously taken her since.
The vivacious energy Andrea exudes mirrors her art; dressed in a fluorescent pink blouse and surrounded by the vibrant colors of her studio, located on White’s Pond in Waldwick, Mistretta talks about how her childhood resonated with the spirit of New Orleans, the “Birthplace of Jazz.” She has said, “The color of Mardi Gras was something I needed for my spirit.”
Andrea strongly believes in the therapeutic power of art. She mentions that she “felt the weirdness the winter months brought, back when no one else talked about it.” Balanced light, light therapy, and full-spectrum colors “give a chance for the endorphins to open up again.” Color psychology, the study of the ways in which color shapes human emotions, behavior, and perceptions, holds a significant place in Andrea’s interests and artwork. Studies have suggested that brighter colors, like those in Mistretta’s pieces, can elevate dopamine levels, especially during the low-energy, depressing winter months when days are shorter and our exposure to natural colors is limited.
While she had never been to New Orleans to experience Mardi Gras before her first poster, the unique energy of the “Big Easy” flowed through her veins, eventually spilling onto canvases.
Like her paintbrush, Andrea’s life has gone with the flow and has landed her in some brilliant places. While involved with a community access television studio at Bergen Community College in the early '80s, she met her husband, photographer turned videographer turned FAA licensed drone photo/video remote pilot, Perry Quaranta. “Perry and I have similarities in that we have had passions for what we do since we were children, throughout our lives and into ever-evolving futures.”
In 1985, Mistretta’s friend, Karen, visited New Orleans and brought along a photo of one of Andrea’s paintings, Mercredi Des Cendre. Karen popped into the infamous Bergen Galleries on Royal Street and met gallerist and socialite Margarita Bergen, who immediately wanted to turn the painting into a poster. Andrea explains, “She was at the right place at the right time. The stars were in the right position.” Margarita flew to New York City and threw Andrea a NOLA-style reception, and the next day, Andrea found herself in Margarita’s apartment in New Orleans signing posters. She felt like “Dorothy in Kansas.” 25,000 copies of Mercredi Des Cendre were sold and marked the beginning of a lifelong connection with the city.
Mistretta’s art, particularly her annual Mardi Gras posters, has become synonymous with the festive spirit of New Orleans during the festival season. She describes her 2024 poster as “a little darker than usual.” Her thirty-ninth is titled Mardi Gras Essence, and showcases the “Crown Mask” she recently designed for Tijon Perfumery’s Parfum de Mardi Gras packaging. Combined with the continuity of the face and the background featuring Royal Street, she has created yet another stunning contemporary masterpiece.
Mistretta’s versatility knows no bounds. As she discusses her various accomplishments and adventures, it is evident that there’s nothing she either hasn’t already done or cannot do. In addition to being a self-taught artist, calligrapher, illustrator, and graphic designer, Andrea has explored a diverse range of creative ventures. Her endeavors encompass everything from crafting coloring books and puzzles to collaborating with RoseArt and delving into the world of hot sauce. Beyond her artistic pursuits, Andrea has dedicated herself to philanthropy, actively supporting organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Musicians’ Village and the American Cancer Society, among many others.
As Mardi Gras Day approaches on February 13, Valentine’s Eve, Mistretta’s art continues to capture the essence of life in vibrant visual stories. In her 39th year of creating Mardi Gras posters, Andrea remains immersed in the spirit of New Orleans; a city she describes as “the best place for expression,” and a “hotbed for cultural and historical art.”
In recognition of her contributions, Mistretta was conferred with Honorary Citizenship by Mayor Sidney Barthelemy for promoting a positive image of New Orleans Mardi Gras. When asked if she’ll ever relocate to New Orleans, Andrea says “snowbirding” is in her dreams, perhaps even just for the Festival Season, but her heart is in Waldwick. She loves her Bergen County hometown so much, you’ll find her sitting at Waldwick High School graduations year after year, even when she doesn’t know anyone graduating. Alongside her husband, Perry, and their shared passion for art and life, Mistretta’s own journey is a celebration of creativity, community and the jubilant, magical spirit of Mardi Gras.
To learn more about Andrea Mistretta, and to purchase artwork, visit mardigrasgraphics.com.
