John DeFaro is an American artist and designer whose interdisciplinary practice spans sculpture, painting, drawing, printmaking, fashion, performance, and photography. A self-taught Queer artist, DeFaro draws from personal experience and cultural insight to create work rooted in environmental and social activism. He is also a gardener, activist, naturalist, and two-time volunteer grant panelist for the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs. In 2024, he became a Tropical Audubon Ambassador, deepening his commitment to environmental stewardship.
Born in Greenport, NY, DeFaro began his creative path on Eastern Long Island, where he connected with artists and designers and worked in his mid-20s as an assistant to curator and art critic Henry Geldzahler. His early career included designing for Lexington Home Brands and exhibiting his weathervane sculpture The Wave at the Parrish Art Museum Design Biennial.
Since moving to Miami in 1995, DeFaro has exhibited widely, studied at Miami Ad School, and created limited-edition artworks in support of local nonprofits. Diagnosed with HIV in 1987, he has transformed personal resilience into creative purpose, working to build inclusive, eco-conscious communities through his art. His Green Paintings series and the performance piece Sew Me, featuring Niurca Marquez, debuted at Feria Clandestina Art Fair during Miami Art Week 2023. That same year, his wall assemblage was featured in Spectrum: Exploring Diversity in Art at the Miami-Dade Public Library. In 2024, he was one of ten artists selected for the Green Space Miami Open Call Exhibition, where he led two public workshops titled FREE AIR.
DeFaro is the founder of DeFaro LLC, which owns the trademark Green Religion and the online platform greenreligion.com. Secured nearly two decades ago, the domain was always intended to become a home for climate awareness through art and community. Officially launched in late 2024, Green Religion is now his central initiative—uplifting artists, building ecological awareness, and inspiring action. A key feature of the site is its growing store, offering smart, visually striking merchandise that delivers powerful messages and sparks meaningful conversation. Proceeds support the platform’s growth and help fund arts and culture projects addressing climate change with creativity, inclusion, and care.
His work has been recognized with COVID Artist Relief Grants from Oolite Arts Miami, the Miami-Dade Department of Cultural Affairs/Pérez Art Museum Miami, and Americans for the Arts, along with two Artist Access Grants from the Miami-Dade Department of Cultural Affairs.
John DeFaro BIO
John DeFaro. Photographers: Nicole Combeau and Trevor Owens
John DeFaro