About Mr. Napierala
Email: NNapierala@Iroquoiscsd.org
Phone: (716)652-3000 Ext 7160
Qualifications: B.S. Art Education- Daemen College, 2009 M.S. Art Education- Buffalo State College, 2011 Visual Arts K-12 Professional Teaching Certificate
Mr. Napierala
Hello! I am a 2005 Iroquois graduate and I couldn't be happier to teach at my alma matter! I am the Iroquois Art Department chair and I teach 9th-12th grade art at Iroquois High School.
As an artist I have exhibited at the Burchfield Penney Art center in 2012 where I worked to create the installation titled "Secret Spaces" with fellow Iroquois Alum, Kari Achatz. Secret Spaces Website. I have since exhibited in the East Aurora Fall Art Walk in 2015, Cepa Photography gallery in 2017, and in the Buffalo State Alumni Show in 2017. I exhibit my work every year in the New York state art teacher association member shows and I look forward to booking a solo show in the near future.
My first love as an artist was drawing, and I am still fascinated by illustrations. My favorite medium currently is acrylic paints, and I love to create portraits and landscapes, things from nature and recreate photos from my travels! I am always interested in learning and trying new mediums!
My love for art even extends to the culinary arts! I own a cookie business called "The Bakers Men Buffalo". I create custom cookie orders and teach cookie decorating classes. I even made it onto food network's Christmas Cookie Challenge in 2022. I love to compete in sugar shows and often present at cookie conventions.
In 2024 my lifelong dream of illustrating a children's book came true when I collaborated with an Iroquois Parent, Colleen Budniewski on "My First Ponytail". I hope to illustrate many more in the future!
My love and passion for the arts is shown in my teaching, and I love to take what I've learned as an artist and bring it to my students. I was recognized for my work as an educator in 2020 when I was selected as NYS region 1 Art educator of the year!