Artist and motivational speaker Tom Varano bringing Emotion Into Art to MVCC in Utica

Mohawk Valley Community College will host artist and motivational speaker Tom Varano for a special performance of Emotion Into Art at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 17, 2025, in the Alumni College Center Snack Bar at the Utica Campus. Admission is free, but space is limited and registration is required. To reserve a spot, email ctp@mvcc.edu.

Emotion Into Art is a unique blend of speed painting and inspirational speaking designed to entertain and uplift audiences of all ages. In just minutes, Varano brings iconic figures to life on large canvases, creating portraits to powerful music for an engaging, high-energy experience. His message encourages audiences to embrace who they are, follow their dreams, and never lose hope. The event is sponsored by MVCC’s Career Transition Program, which provides pre-employment transition services to help students with disabilities prepare for success in the workplace.

Varano, a native of Rome, N.Y., is an MVCC graduate now based in Texas. In 1990, he founded Varano Photography in Rome, specializing in family and senior portraits, and launched Emotion Into Art in 2011.

For more information about Varano and his work, visit www.emotionintoart.com.