Bellacera’s college and graduate studies in biology, psychology, and animal behavior contributed to her fascination with animals. She studied the unique characteristics of animals in the swamps of Louisiana while working on her Ph.D. at Tulane University. These observations later gave voice to her artwork. Now, she explores how domestic and wild animals literally and metaphorically mirror human nature, reminding us that we share emotions and DNA. She received art training at various colleges and universities in Northern California. Bellacera has exhibited her work domestically and internationally in museums and galleries. Her award-winning artwork has been included in over fifty solo and juried group shows and has been published in exhibition catalogs, books, and magazines, including the prestigious international Ceramics Now journal. She has received public art grants and has been commissioned to create collections of work. Her pieces are included in dozens collections.