A Moth Collection by Anna Ojascastro Guzon |
If you want to buy a beautiful book of poetry, my sister’s book is in pre-order now.
(And the cover art is by me😊) 
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“Wow, It’s Been A Long Road” Watercolor on paper, hand-colored photo, mono print on arches, acrylic on canvas, 21x21” framed, 2025. The tree reminds me of the plum tree that was in the front yard of my childhood home on Dover Hill Drive. I still dream about that home. From that time of innocence to now … Wow, it’s been a long road.
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SPIRIT OF THE TREES The Red Gate Gallery
January 16-April 12, 2026
Public Reception, Friday, January 30, 5-7 pm Curated by Mel Watkin On May 16, 2025, an EF3 tornado struck St. Louis, leaving a deep physical and emotional impact. In addition to the loss of lives, homes, and infrastructure, thousands of trees across the region were damaged or uprooted. I am excited to have one of my artworks included in Spirit of the Trees - a group exhibit by artists responding to this event and to the enduring symbolism of trees—as forces of life, renewal, knowledge, and loss. Red Gate Gallery is a platform for experimental and socially engaged art. Rooted in the community of Wydown United Church, it invites artists and audiences to explore new ideas, question assumptions, and imagine shared futures through creative practice. The church’s commitment to inquiry and inclusion shapes Red Gate as a space where art and dialogue intersect. 6501 Wydown Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63105 Gallery Hours: Tuesday - Friday, 10 am - 3 pm. 314-721-5060 ext. 1 |
I'm working on a new body of artwork for an exhibit that opens February 2027 at the Center of Creative Arts (COCA)
which is the fourth largest multidisciplinary community arts center in the United States.
BAROMETRIC PRESSURE CHANGE
Inspiring childlike awe and wonder in adults and an invitation to discuss what connects us rather than what sets us apart.
which is the fourth largest multidisciplinary community arts center in the United States.
BAROMETRIC PRESSURE CHANGE
Inspiring childlike awe and wonder in adults and an invitation to discuss what connects us rather than what sets us apart.
In my past artwork, doors represented moving forward. But on the day of the shooting, the doors decided who would live and die. The shooter walked down my hallway, shooting into the classroom doors until finally, the door to the classroom right next to mine shattered. He reached in, opened the door and killed the teacher who stood between him and her students. The above photo is a door from my home photographed in my winter garden that I will use in a new installation.
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 “Barometric Pressure Change” Flowers from my garden, collagraph print on arches, and acrylic on canvas, 20x20”, 2025. In this work, black represents death, white - safety; yellow - joy; coral - self-love; pink - joy. There’s not a lot of white because every time I see the news of another school shooting, it takes great effort to claw out of a dark space.
This is a Sacred Space Crate that will become part of an art installation. I am letting nature transform it into a “God Box - a physical container used to write down overwhelming thoughts on paper and then placed inside to metaphorically give to a higher power, helping you let go and find peace.
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My journey after the CVPA school shooting is not merely about October 24, 2022. It is the story of a woman who is not only surviving, but almost thriving after a lot of really challenging years. People are surprised that I was able to raise three children - all three diagnosed with autism and one a cancer survivor. I'm often asked how I still have exuberant energy. The answer is, I shut the bad feelings up in a box and powered through. And after the shooting, I continued to power through. Finally, six months after the shooting, I realized that my mind, body and spirit were broken and powering through was NOT the right answer. I now share my path to wellness through my art so that my light will continue to shine.
Working Title: SEATHERNY
[seth-er-nee] - the serenity one feels when listening to the chirping of birds.
I'm experimenting with layering a soundtrack from my life into an installation. The recording will last 17 minutes - the amount of time that passed from when the shooter entered the building until when he was shot and killed. The soundtrack will be installed in a weathered "God Box" that has a motion sensor. This may be a stand alone exhibit - or might be combined with "Barometric Pressure Change" or "Shine a Light".
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Did you know that trauma brain is similar to autism brain? I know that all too well. If you press each of the above videos, so several are playing at the same time, then amplify most, that is what it is like for me... and why my sons on the autism spectrum helped me acquire two different sets of sound-blocking ear wear.
Some of my past artwork examined the heartbreak and anger I felt because the shooter, who was known to be mentally ill, was able to legally acquire a gun. I did go to Jefferson City with other educators to advocate for red flag laws. I now leave that fight for others who are better equipped. My art is an invitation to discuss what joins us rather what sets us apart. Whether you are connected to the person next to you because of health challenges, autism, cancer, gun violence, or the joy of surviving - you have a story that I invite you to share.
Some of my past artwork examined the heartbreak and anger I felt because the shooter, who was known to be mentally ill, was able to legally acquire a gun. I did go to Jefferson City with other educators to advocate for red flag laws. I now leave that fight for others who are better equipped. My art is an invitation to discuss what joins us rather what sets us apart. Whether you are connected to the person next to you because of health challenges, autism, cancer, gun violence, or the joy of surviving - you have a story that I invite you to share.
Shine a Light
These are my Central Visual and Performing Arts High School students whose lives were disrupted in unimaginable ways on October 24, 2022. The most common reaction I hear is “I can’t even imagine.” My installation concept is percolating - through sound, scent, and form, I will shine a light on the unimaginable . I envision portraits layered on the back of a weathered door and dried herbs and flowers from my garden on the front of the door. This might be combined with "Barometric Pressure Change" or "Seatherny."
Read about my call to action after the school shooting in Way Beyond Too Late.
Read about my call to action after the school shooting in Way Beyond Too Late.
COMMUNITY IS STRONGER THAN CANCER
Mural for CSC
The Cancer Support Community moved to a new location in 2025. This is a concept sketch for the mural I'll be painting in their new space in 2026!
If you want to read about my family's cancer journey, visit Hope in Action.
Pedal the Cause 2026 Living Mural
Sketching in my outdoor studio. Envisioning twice the scope. To see PTC 2025, scroll down to collaborations.
Visit 2021-2025 or 2010-2020 to see past artwork.
Artist's Statement Ojascastro ArtShop Ojascastro Magenta Door Art Studio
Questions? Email [email protected].
Artist's Statement Ojascastro ArtShop Ojascastro Magenta Door Art Studio
Questions? Email [email protected].