Tracey Frugoli knew early on that art was her language. After an art-intensive high school curriculum and a BFA from Illinois State University, she trained as an art therapist earning her MA at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and practiced professionally for a decade. But the pull to paint was too strong, and she transitioned to painting full-time.

Based in Peoria, Illinois, Frugoli has worked in oil since 1999, creating loose realistic pieces, often plein air, while also exploring portrait photography and set/costume design for dance. In 2020, her work took a pivotal turn. Driven by growing concern for the natural world, she began pushing her practice to reflect the urgency of ecological loss. Today, her process blends intuitive abstract mark-making, using plant-based acrylic in the early stages, often with Imaginative Realism rendered in oil for the final layers.

Frugoli has received numerous awards, including Best Collection at the 2025 Red Wing Plein Air (MN), Best of Show at Exhibit A Gallery Plein Air in 2023 and 2024 (IL), and the Artist’s Choice Award 2024 & Best of Show 2013 at the Sedona Plein Air event (AZ). In 2012 she took First Place at Wayne Plein Air (PA). In Maryland her awards include Museum Purchase Award & Honorable Mention 2007 and First Place Quick Draw & Best Architectural Painting 2005 at Plein Air Easton; and First Place 2006 Havre de Grace Plein Air.

She has exhibited throughout the country including Greenhouse Gallery’s “Salon International” 2005-6, and 2009-12 in San Antonio, TX and won Jury’s Top 50 award in 2011.

Frugoli’s artwork is held in the permanent collection at the Academy Art Museum in Easton (MD) and The Peoria Riverfront Museum (IL) as well as numerous private collections. It has appeared in American Artist and Plein Air. She has written freelance for Workshop Magazine, Plein Air, and Fine Art Connoisseur (FAC). She was a founding member of the Central Illinois Artists Organization (CIAO) in Peoria, IL. 

Artist Statement
 

Art, Breath, Paint, Air . . .  

For me, making art is like breathing. It describes my very essence.

Through my work, I seek to give voice to the flora, fauna, landscapes, waters and natural energies - both seen and unseen - that surround us.

But I don't prescribe for you how to engage with my work. When you stand before it, it is yours just as much as mine. Art is healing, both for the artist and the viewer. I don't want to get in the way of that.

I don't create art to change the world. I make art because it is what I was put here to do. But, by giving voice to the living world, I hope to kindle a renewed sense of belonging, empathy, and transformation.

Process statement 

My process is uintuitive and layered. I begin with abstract marks, most recently using pastel and plant-based acrylic paint from Natural Earth Paint, letting the work guide me util it directs it's own evolution. I apply, remove, splatter, glaze, scrape, scratch and build up a history on the painting surface. Some pieces stay abstract; others call for a kind of imaginative realism rendered in oil over the acrylic. I can't always explain why a color, stroke, or animal had to be there. At some point, the painting takes on a life of its own and I follow its lead.

Some Press:

"Plein Air Easton! Prepares for 2008 Event" 2008

http://www.myamericanartist.com/2008/09/plein-air-easto.html 

"Local Artists in Conjunction: Five Portraits," Art & Society, May/June 2009 

http://www.peoriamagazines.com/as/2009/may-jun/local-artists-conjunction?page=0%2C0

See the article in The Peoria Journal Star about the Murray Center for the Arts where Tracey has a studio