Nicole Zappala

Hi! I'm Nicole :) I'm an artist, experience designer, facilitator and recovering perfectionist who is now all about play, creation, community and adding a bit more wonder and play to life. I reconnected with my inner artist in 2018 after returning to my home town of San Diego from the Bay Area. What started with a few local art classes and time spent exploring North Park’s creative scene quickly grew into something deeper. As I searched for a studio—and hit a series of dead ends—a mix of serendipity, manifestation, and community led me somewhere I hadn’t expected. Through a reimagining of value exchange, creative possibility, and a quick revisit to my early career bartering days, my studio, The Rainbow - where I activate dead spaces and turn them into usable studio and art space - was born. Now in my third vacant turned vibrant space, I make a lotta fun weird stuff and spend my spare time thinking about ways to transform spaces, vibes and community in ways that feel meaningful and alive.My background in community engagement, experience design, and creative development is woven into everything I create—both at The Rainbow and in my art. I value play, curiosity, accessibility, and vibrant detail. My work spans from space and experience design, and wearable art to small and large-scale abstract pieces, often with a healthy dose of neon and glow.I live in North Park with my husband Andrew, our daughter Rory, and our Siamese cat, Slinky and absolutely love it here.