Finding Passion in Face Painting: The Journey of Darlene Berrios Blair

July 22, 2024 Buffalo Latino Village

With summer upon us, the Summer Festival Season is in full swing. Typically, at these local events, among vendors selling their food and wares, one of the more familiar sights in our local festivals would be that of face painters. These talented artists face long lines of children waiting to have their faces painted with designs that brighten up their appearances.

One of these face painters is my beloved cousin, Darlene (Berrios) Blair. Face painting is more than just an art form for Darlene—it’s a calling that found her in the most unexpected of ways. Darlene, the Upper West Side native Boricua creative force behind “Face Designs by Darlene,” began her journey into face painting not as a planned career move but as an act of familial support and community service.

Getting Started — A Sister’s Call to Service: Darlene’s foray into face painting began with a simple request from her sister, Rosa. “My sister Rosita was working at a community event with her church, the former Casa De Adoración El-Shaddai on Niagara Street, and she was going to be doing some simple face painting at the church event,” Darlene recalls. Her sister Rosa initially handled basic designs like balloons, stars, and hearts. However, as Darlene was looking to assist her sister with the event, although she was completely inexperienced in the world of face painting, she was eager to contribute effectively. Leading up to the days of the church event, Darlene did extensive research to ensure she had the right materials and skills. She purchased paints from Michaels, read the instructions meticulously, and despite her initial nerves, began painting with a line of children waiting. “I started painting at 12 PM and didn’t stop until 8:45 PM,” she says, reflecting on that first marathon session. Her dedication was clear from the outset, as she continued painting even after Rosa had finished for the day.

Discovering a Passion: The positive response from the children and their families was overwhelming. Seeing the joy her artwork brought, Darlene realized she had found her passion. Encouraged by the community and church, which even prompted her to print business cards, Darlene began to pursue face painting more seriously. Though the church eventually closed, Darlene’s commitment to face painting remained steadfast, and over the last thirteen years, she continued building a name and reputation through word of mouth, her talent leading her to notable opportunities. She has painted for the Buffalo Bills, including events for Von Miller and Dion Dawkins, and at the Michael Phelps Swim School/Friendship Village. Darlene is now considered the unofficial face painter of the Buffalo Bills, a testament to her skill and dedication.

Personal Challenges and Resilience: Darlene’s journey has not been without personal challenges. “When I lost my sister, Glenda, I wanted to put my brush down,” she shares. Despite her grief, she continued to paint, especially to honor her sister’s memory. “I had a Christmas event on December 10th, which was two days after my sister died, and I got there a little late. Once I got there, I shared the news with the lady who hired me for the event, and she asked if I was ok and all I wanted to do was paint. I wanted to paint for Glenda since she always wanted to sit in my chair.”

Connecting Through Art: Darlene’s ability to connect with children is a cornerstone of her work. She has a unique approach to making each child feel comfortable, especially those with special needs. “When I see the kids, my energy is too much. I have to wait for them to come around,” she says. By getting to their level and explaining the process, Darlene ensures each child feels at ease. For children with Autism, she takes extra care to explain each step and involve them in choosing colors, making the experience enjoyable and stress-free.

Creative Designs and Engagement: Darlene’s setup is both professional and engaging. She has a design board with 32 pictures for kids to choose from and a word board that helps her develop new ideas. “I like to do things differently, but I try to keep it simple when I paint,” she explains. This blend of creativity and simplicity allows her to cater to a wide range of preferences and keep the process smooth.

Face Designs by Darlene: A Continuing Passion: For Darlene Blair, face painting is not just a profession but a passion that found her and continues to drive her. Her journey from helping her sister at a church event to becoming a recognized face painter in Western New York for major events is a testament to her talent, dedication, and the joy she finds in bringing smiles to children’s faces.

Follow Her Journey: Her journey is a beautiful reminder that sometimes, our passions find us in the most unexpected ways, leading to fulfilling and impactful careers. As the Western New York Summer Festival season continues, and you find yourself at an event where Darlene is painting smiles on children’s faces, know that that journey started here on the lower West Side, on Niagara Street over a decade ago. You can stay connected with Darlene’s latest works and events through her Instagram and Facebook pages “Face Designs by Darlene.”