There’s something truly special about the North Fork that continues to draw in artists from all corners of the world, and Verona Peñalba is a shining example. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Verona, an incredible talent who co-owns VEME, a vibrant art studio in Greenport, with her partner Melissa Gabrielsen. From the moment we connected, I was captivated by her creative energy and warm spirit, which radiates through both her art and the incredible classes she offers at VEME. Verona’s journey as an immigrant from Nicaragua to becoming an established artist here on the North Fork is as inspiring as the pieces she creates.
What makes Verona truly remarkable is not only her undeniable artistic talent but also her genuine passion for sharing that creativity with others. VEME is more than just a studio; it’s a welcoming space where art, community, and culture come together. Whether you’re attending one of their immersive workshops or simply admiring her work and the work of other local artists curated throughout the space, you can feel the love and thoughtfulness Verona puts into everything she touches. In this interview, I had the chance to sit down with her and discuss her artistic journey, the inspiration behind her work, and what life on the North Fork means to her as both an artist and a business owner.
How would you describe yourself as an artist/creator?
Wow, that’s a loaded question. I would start with being curious, excited about what something could become. I engage with that emotion and take the ride of the moment, being in flow as much as possible — flexible and transparent. That can translate into work with different materials, mediums, and methods but always creating and expanding. In a few words: a multimedia explorer.
Your artistic journey is deeply personal and unique — what has been the most transformative moment in your career so far, and how has it shaped the direction of your work today?
After the birth of my daughter, who is now 8 years old. During that first year, I felt myself disappear to be in full awe of her existence. I had to slowly rebuild who I am, and in that transformation, lots of things started to blossom, like my confidence to create abstract work, which is one of my favorite ways to express myself now.
How has your experience of moving to and living on the North Fork shaped your identity as an artist, and what unique perspectives do you feel it has given your work?
I do believe the setting and energy of a place deeply informs your work. I have previously lived in the Dominican Republic and my home country, Nicaragua, and my work was very colorful and vibrant there. Since living on the North Fork, my palette has been very blue, and there are many ways to interpret that, but mainly is my desire to live in peace, which I often find in the deep blue colors of the water that surrounds us.
You co-founded VEME Studios in Greenport, which has become a creative hub for local art lovers. Can you tell us more about the workshops you offer and the vision behind the space?
Yes! We offer workshops and the ability to come and use the studio freely with the ART BAR at any time. We are open to discover and practice different mediums like painting and pottery, to name a few. We want to share with everyone the joy and benefits of creating, reminding everyone that they do have a creative spark in them, even though they haven’t done it since pre-school. And most importantly, an alternative way to share with friends and family, and create together. It is powerful.
You collaborate with fellow local artist Melissa Gabrielsen. How did your partnership come about, and how do you both inspire each other’s work in the studio?
Melissa was one of the first friends I met when I moved here almost 10 years ago. When we both started offering workshops, we daydreamed of how cool it would be to have a mutual space to offer our workshops and work. Now that we have VEME together, it is truly a partnership. We complement each other, and at this point, we are at the same brain wave where we think of ideas at the same time and are excited to keep developing new offers for the studio. It is truly really fun and I hope people feel it.
Greenport has such a vibrant, creative community. What do you love most about living and operating your business in this charming town?
I love how we have regulars who come and explore a different medium every time or people who come to a workshop and unlock something in themselves to keep creating. Being able to hear the creative journey of those who visit us is truly the most rewarding. Being a part of the bursting creative offering in Greenport and the North Fork is truly an honor.
How do the changing seasons on the North Fork, particularly the fall, inspire your creative process?
Do you find yourself creating differently as the atmosphere and landscape shift? One hundred percent, fall and spring are very productive for me. There are a lot of factors but I am able to work outside, get lost in a project, and put in action all the ideas. The light, and the air is so crisp. I am so excited for everything that I am doing this fall.
What upcoming workshops or events at VEME are you most excited about this fall, and how do you plan to celebrate the season with your art?
I am planning a very requested pour painting and resin class for November. This is a very involved class, so guests will have to come twice with a week difference. The first day, we will pour acrylic paint, which is one of the most satisfying ways of moving paint but also a rollercoaster because you have very little control of the end result. In the second class, I will teach how to use resin to give a glass-like effect to the paintings. So much fun! And to be honest, every day in the studio is a celebration. If I’m not planning a new workshop, I will be starting a new painting or sharing stories with guests.
What role do you see art playing in bringing together the local North Fork community, and how does your studio contribute to that sense of connection?
Art, for me, is a way of expressing yourself. When we like and connect with a piece of art, music, theater, we are connecting with the creator as well. We might share the same perspective, feeling, or understanding. It makes both parties feel seen and connected beyond the surface. Our studio is a safe haven. There is no judgment, and we encourage people to express themselves freely. We see people creating friendships during workshops, ideas sparking, and celebrating each other.
Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the future of your studio, your collaboration with Melissa Gabrielsen, and the North Fork art scene in general?
The fall and winter are really a good time to ground ourselves and focus on our personal practice as well. So excited to see what comes out. For VEME, we are creating a lot of to-go kits for those who want to keep creating at home. Which is a great activity for the winter months. We are planning to release a second “Painting Vintage” book next spring, where we encourage you to use multimedia and color outside the lines of vintage photos. And we are also planting the seed of creating our own pieces of clothing for VEME. You are the first to know, shhhh! We are aiming to launch next summer.
