WOODBURY–Greta Addeo has been drawing for as long as she can remember. “Since I could pick up a pencil,” she says simply, as if art has always been less of a hobby and more of a natural extension of who she is. Over the years that instinctive love for art has developed into discipline, ambition, and a clear vision for her future.
In the classroom, Greta’s sketchbook is never far away. Her teachers know her well, not just for her talent, but for her personality. “Even though she crucifies my whiteboards with her cartooning of her peers and instructors in the room, she’s still a serious artist,” says Leeza Desjardins, an art teacher at Nonnewaug.
Greta works at her own pace, following what Mrs. D calls her “own beat,” bringing a lighthearted energy into the room while remaining deeply focused on her work. “She lights up the room with her lighthearted spirit,” Mrs. D explains, “but she’s also very serious about how things are executed with her artwork. Having that combination is a wonderful and amazing trait.”
That seriousness has paid off. Greta has earned recognition for her work, including receiving a Gold Key on one of her pieces. “It’s amazing, detailed, just really genuinely done really well. It’s solid,” Mrs. D says. Greta herself measures success not just by awards, but by growth. One of her proudest achievements is being able to take AP art classes to strengthen her portfolio and improve her concentration. She hopes these steps will get her into art school.
Her peers see the potential too. Anthony Perez, a senior, is quick to defend it, even when Greta doubts herself. “She hates her art, but I like it,” he says. “I genuinely think that it is great.” He believes that she’s ready to take the next step if the opportunity arises. “If put in front of the right eyes,” he adds, “I think she’s ready to go to college.” When asked if he could see Greta chasing her dreams of becoming a tattoo artist, his answer is confident. “I think she can, because she already has experience as an artist in that way, as we can see on her arms and hands.”
That dream is one Greta speaks about openly. “I want to be a tattoo artist,” she says. The reason is personal and heartfelt. “I really like tattoos, ever since I was younger. I love them, and I want to use my talents to help other people get the designs and pieces they want.” For her, tattooing isn’t just about art, it’s about collaboration, storytelling, and giving others something meaningful to carry with them–just like she has on herself.
At home, Greta’s talent is just another part of who she is. Her brother Sean keeps it simple. “She’s nice. She’s a good sister sometimes,” he jokes. About her artwork, he fully supports her ambitions. “She’s good at drawing and she wants to be an artist. She’s my sister, and I love and stand by her.”
Looking ahead, the future feels open. Mrs. D. can easily picture Greta in art school, exploring every possibility the arts have to offer. Whether she becomes a tattoo artist, an art teacher, or something in between, one thing is clear: Greta’s pencil is only the beginning of her story.
