Teresa Pereira Neufeld of Peartree Designs grew up in the Bronx and in Yonkers and graduated from Fordham University at Lincoln Center with a BFA in fine arts, where she won the Studio Art Award for painting. Interestingly, her quest for a job in the arts ultimately led her to a career as a graphic designer. Though she has had a successful and enjoyable career in graphic design for over 18 years, she has continued to paint regularly, in acrylic, oils and watercolor, and has had work shown in galleries and art fairs in Westchester County. Her foray into the world of decorative and mural painting began with the mural she painted for her son Jacob's nursery, which she started when she was six months pregnant and completed only days before he was born. This mural, as well as decorative painting projects in other rooms of her family's home, generated many compliments and much encouragement from friends and family, who convinced her to start her own mural business in 2002. She aims to furnish the interiors of her clients' residences with a sophisticated ambience and with the color and festivity that only murals and faux finishes can provide.