Meet Monica, a dynamic artist, vibrant cultural advocate, and the heart behind Wild Rose, Springfield’s one-of-a kind artisan gallery & boutique. Originally from Alameda, California, Monica brings her Mexican heritage, activist roots, and fearless creativity to every canvas, workshop, and community initiative she touches.

With a paintbrush in one hand and purpose in the other, Monica transforms recycled materials, bold colors, and textured layers into expressive works of art that reflect family, culture, and current times. Her work has been featured in San Francisco City Hall, the Alameda Museum, Sacred Art in Chicago and at numerous Chicago Street fairs including Retro on Roscoe, Ravenswood, Downtown Chicago, and Springfield Pride Fest.

In 2019, Monica made a lifelong dream a reality by opening Wild Rose, a retail meets gallery space that uplifts more than 20 local artists. Through one-on-one coaching, hands-on painting classes, and empowering creative workshops, including Vision Board Parties, Manifesting Your Dreams, Mapping Out Your Goals, and Women’s Empowerment workshops and events. She helps others unlock their creativity and chart bold, intentional paths forward.

Monica is also a speaker, sharing her insight on topics such as Art for Healing, The Mexican American Journey, Día de los Muertos Altar Instruction, and the power of creative identity. She has spoken for Women Entrepreneurs of Central Illinois and Illinois Women in Leadership, where she led a compelling conversation on intersectionality and how layered identities shape our personal and professional lives. Her voice and work have been featured across media platforms including NPR, WTAX Radio, Channel 20 Morning Show, Illinois Times, the Women Entrepreneurs Showcase, and the Viewpoint Project with Dennis Quaid.

Whether bringing mariachi vibes to Springfield’s Levitt AMP Concert Series, mentoring fellow creatives, or supporting inclusive arts initiatives, Monica brings joy, justice, and authenticity to all she does. She proudly serves on the boards of Memorial Foundation and Downtown Springfield Inc., championing art, equity, and small business growth.