High Plains Drifter / Five minutes prior...
High Plains Drifter
Alvaro Marques
Photograph
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Five minutes prior...
Nicole Pero
Acrylic on canvas
About the Creators
Alvaro Marques
Alvaro Marques’ journey into photography began in his teenage years when he was gifted his first Nikon camera. Inspired by the sweeping vistas and natural beauty of Portugal’s countryside, where he was born and raised, he quickly developed a deep passion for capturing the world through his lens. As a self-taught photographer, he has honed his craft through years of practice, observation, and a deep connection to the natural world.
He is a dedicated and passionate photographer who focuses on the serene beauty of landscapes and the vibrant life of birds in their natural habitats. His work not only highlights the richness of the natural world but also seeks to inspire others to appreciate and protect it. For him, there is no greater reward than stepping outdoors and, with a single click, capturing the weather, the ever-changing environment, or the delicate movement of wildlife.
Nicole Pero
Nicole Pero is a multidisciplinary artist and Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) based in North Andover, MA, who blends her passion for healing and creativity in both her professional and artistic life. A graduate of Montserrat College of Art, where she majored with a concentration in fine arts, and Cambridge College with a master’s in counseling, she brings a unique perspective to the intersection of mental health and artistic expression.
With over 14 years in recovery, Nicole draws on her lived experience to connect deeply with others—especially children. In her work as a children’s therapist, she integrates art and animal-assisted therapy, often alongside her beloved dog Norman, to help young clients feel safe, open up, and explore difficult emotions through creativity.
Outside of her therapy practice, Nicole is a portrait artist, offering custom drawings that capture the essence and personality of her subjects. Her work is intimate, emotionally rich, and rooted in a deep understanding of people. Dogs are a recurring theme in both her personal life and art, symbolizing loyalty, comfort, and unconditional love.
Nicole continues to create art that heals, inspires, and tells stories—one sketch, one session, and one heart at a time.