After earning a BFA in Painting at Boston University and an MFA in Painting at American University, Vera Nikiforov went on to careers in the fine arts, teaching, and graphic arts. As a fine artist Vera received a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board and won awards in juried exhibitions in California. In 2008, 2009, 2012, 2013 and 2014 Vera received awards at the Annual Madison Art Guild Exhibitions. She was invited to participate in the Hospice Mask-er-Aid, a Madison tradition. In addition to producing commissioned and personal oil and acrylic paintings, Vera has worked as a courtroom artist for television stations in Minneapolis and St. Paul and have produced a variety of commercial pieces for small businesses as a freelance artist. Currently she is a member of Madison Art Guild as well as Wisconsin Visual Artists (formerly Wisconsin Painters and Sculptors).