Meet Eileen Sirica Cardillo of Joy to the WORD

Today we’d like to introduce you to Eileen Sirica Cardillo.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Eileen. So, let’s start at the beginning, and we can move on from there.
On October 1, 2012, I awakened with the name “Joy to the WORD.” It was an answer to prayers after a difficult year personally, and an incredible gift from God. While I had been a freelance professional artist, muralist, and calligrapher for many years prior to the inception of Joy to the WORD, I dove in full force that day… starting with inspirational paintings. Five art shows were packed into five weeks, and the last one was finished the day before I turned 50 on November 19, 2012.

In the weeks, months, and years that have followed, my artwork has expanded in subject and style substantially, but the overall mission has remained the same… to spread Joy through uplifting art. I enjoy painting a wide variety of custom art pieces for clients, including inspirational art, wood signs, pet and animal portraits, sunflowers, sunrises, sunsets, landscapes, seascapes, and most hopefully the introduction of human portraits in the near future.

As a person and business, it will always be a priority to give back to the community, and we are trying to do this in many ways. Joy to the WORD is thankful to be connected with many amazing non-profit organizations in the Atlanta area, including CURE Childhood Cancer… which is our main philanthropy. Through in-kind art donations to several non-profits each year, we have been able to help raise awareness and funds for these meaningful organizations.

With the assistance and generosity of many people, we have also hosted/participated in several fundraisers to help raise monetary donations for CURE and other area non-profit organizations as well. Through our ministry arm, Caring Canvases (est. 2013), we work with groups in the community. They create inspirational canvases which are donated to people in need of uplifting, positive, and encouraging messages, and many times there is a fundraising aspect involved also.

I never could have imagined how both Joy to the WORD and Caring Canvases would touch my life. I am so thankful to family, friends, and clients for all of their support over the years. My husband John, and our three children… Bridget, Emily, and Chris continue to inspire me to do better each day. I could not do any of this without their love, patience, encouragement, and support, and my love and gratitude for them is beyond words.

Can’t wait to see where this God-inspired art journey leads… and hope it will continue to bring a little “JOY” to others!

Has it been a smooth road?
It definitely has not been a smooth road, but that has only added to the journey. Starting this business in mid-life was exciting, but it was filled with insecurities and trepidation at the same time.

Would people like my work? Would they walk past me at shows, and pretend I wasn’t there? Would I get rejections?

The answer is “yes” to all three of these fears, but thankfully they were earlier on and scattered intermittently between several orders, successful shows, and repeat clients whom I’ve been fortunate to work with for many years now.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
Joy to the WORD is all about custom and inspirational art, which encompasses many subjects and styles. Custom pet and animal portraits and custom wood signs have been the main part of my business recently; however, I am still painting inspirational pieces for clients (as paintings and signs), as well as a variety of subjects too.

Whether your style is traditional, whimsical, or contemporary, Joy to the WORD can create one of a kind, original, and meaningful art for your home and/or as unique gifts for any occasion.

I am most proud of the ways in which we are giving back to the community. Over the last several years Joy to the WORD has become involved with a variety of non-profit organizations, including our main philanthropy CURE Childhood Cancer. We have donated a significant number of art pieces to many non-profits over the years, which have helped raise awareness and funds for these worthwhile organizations.

We have also hosted/participated in several fundraisers with Joy to the WORD and Caring Canvases (our ministry arm)… and through the efforts and generosity of many have been able to donate several thousand dollars to these non-profits as well.

Caring Canvases (est. 2013) involves the community in creating inspirational art for people in need of uplifting, positive, and encouraging messages… and to date, we have donated over 2,000 art pieces to many organizations in the Atlanta area and all over the world.

I hope we will continue to increase our philanthropic presence in the community in the years to come.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
The Atlanta area is definitely a good place for a business like mine. As our area continues to grow, small businesses have the opportunity to grow and thrive as well. This is an exciting city, full of possibilities right now… and the perfect area for someone to start a business.

Pricing:

• Joyful Prints start at $12 each

Contact Info:

• Website: www.joytothewordart.com
• Phone: 770-294-0390
• Email: eileen@joytothewordart.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joytothewordart

Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.