Rich Tomasello was born and raised in Buffalo, New York.  He earned a BFA in Illustration from the University at Buffalo and a Masters Degree in Art Education from Buffalo State College.  He currently serves on the board of the Buffalo Society of Artists as Membership Chair and is a core member of the Emerging Leaders in the Arts Buffalo (ELAB).  Tomasello has exhibited in many group exhibitions in Western New York since 1998 and his work can be found in several local collections including the Gerald Mead Collection, the Wade Stevenson Collection, the University at Buffalo, and the Damon Morey Law Firm.