Nola Guajardo and Nora Verdin - "Colores De Mi Vida"

Nola and Nora are twin sisters who have called Corpus Christi home since childhood. Raised in a family that encouraged creativity, curiosity, and the freedom to explore, they were drawn to the arts from an early age. Their shared passion eventually led both to careers as artists and art educators, but over more than four decades, each has developed a distinctive artistic voice rooted in color, culture, family, and place.

Nola has been making art for more than 40 years, working primarily in oils before recently embracing acrylic painting. After retiring from a 35-year career teaching art, she found herself with the freedom to explore new directions. The faster-drying acrylic medium opened the door to smaller works and a more spontaneous approach, bringing new energy to her practice. Her love of color has remained constant, inspired in part by the distinctive coastal light of Corpus Christi. Influenced by artists Henri Matisse and Richard Diebenkorn, Nola describes her work as imaginative and joyful—art that “feeds my soul.”

Nora discovered painting while studying at Corpus Christi State University, where she was mentored by nationally recognized artist and professor Bruno Andrade. Her work is deeply influenced by Mexican folk art and its ability to express complex ideas through simple forms, color, shape, pattern, and texture. For Nora, folk art is ultimately about connection—to community, culture, family, and the heart of the artist. Her charming paintings feature birds, jaguars, and Mexican and Latin American symbolism in vivid colors enriched by intricate patterns.

Both sisters pursued Master of Fine Arts degrees in 1987—Nola at the University of Michigan and Nora at Southern Methodist University. Both artists went on to teach art with Corpus Christi Independent School District. Since retiring, they have continued to teach at the college level and remain active in the local arts community.

The sisters’ work shares a profound connection to the place they have called home for more than six decades. Nola’s vibrant exploration of color and light and Nora’s celebration of culture, family, and belonging offer two distinct perspectives shaped by a shared history.