Karla DeStefano is a Salvadoran born interdisciplinary artist currently working in Marstons Mills whose work is influenced by personal narrative, culture, craft, and experimentation. Fueled by curiosity and a deep appreciation for history, her work explores themes of identity, connectedness and how, where, and why we decide to put down roots.

Her work has been displayed in multiple group shows throughout the Cape and Greater Boston area, and her first solo exhibition opened in Hyannis in June 2025. She has exhibited work at the MA State house for Creative sector week as well as in the Governor’s office for Hispanic Heritage Month. Karla is an alumnus of the Creative Futures C.C .Teaching Artist Fellowship, a recipient of the 2024 AFCC Capacity Building Grant, the 2024 AFCC Grants for Creative Individuals, funded in part by the National Endowment for the Arts. A recipient of the Mass Cultural Council’s 2025 Grants for Creative Individuals, and most recently a recipient of NEFA’s Public Art Learning Fund Grant.

She opened Franky and J. in 2015 specializing in one of a kind, hand lettered signs, calligraphy, and paper products. Hand lettering on different types of paper quickly grew into a love for paper making. Working with paper pulp has given her the opportunity to create work that is thoughtful and intentioned. Each piece is made by hand in her home studio where she always starts with recycled paper pulp.
Since its inception, Franky and J. has expanded to include home decor and stationery.