If you want to know more about me or the community work I do, click on
 Ojascastro artist statement.

​Most of my current artwork in on my gallery page.  

Please visit my virtual shop if you are thinking about buying some art.

If you want to visit the Magenta Door Art Studio,
​we are open by appointment only M-F 3-6 pm; Sat noon-4 pm.
Email me at magentadoorartstudio@gmail.com.

We are moving to Kirkwood soon. Stay tuned!

If you want to take a class from me, keep scrolling to the last section of this page.

Want to be inspired by Mandala: an Art Collective or Central Visual and Performing Arts High School students? Want to see what exhibits inspire me? Check out below and come back often.

Ojascastro Gallery    Artist's Statement     Ojascastro ArtShop 

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Magenta Door Art Studio

For a life that is joyful, meaningful & manageable.

Open by appointment only: Contact me at magentadoorartstudio@gmail.com











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​Photo credit Scott Schwartz

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Glimpse of Hope

​Glimpse of Hope
Kirkwood Performing Arts Center
210 E. Monroe Ave. Kirkwood MO
Was on display until May 31. Lives on in our hearts (and in videos and photos.)
​
It is my pleasure to present the artwork of some of my high school students.  In August 2020, I had the great privilege to begin as a long-term substitute teacher at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School (CVPA), with the added challenge of teaching visual art to over 150 students virtually. What the students created included expressions of the Black Lives Matter protests, self-reflections, COVID-19 uncertainties, Black History pride, the spirit of anticipation, and so much more. In January 2021, we welcomed approximately 10% of the students back in the school building, giving a glimpse of hope. Visual Art teachers William Perry, Kelly Terry and I are pleased to give the St. Louis community, a Glimpse of Hope featuring artwork by:
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Jada Banks, Sophomore
Abbi Bossi, Senior                
Ashley Bryant, Sophomore        
Nadyia Cody, Junior            
Ta’sha Cole, Sophomore
Nicholas Dilworth, Junior
Amajahne Edwards, Junior
Carla Holmes, Senior            
Ezmarella Kean, Sophomore
Shayla McClendon, Sophomore
Ryane Owens, Sophomore

Nadyia Cody with her mom and her artwork

Central Visual and Performing Arts High School (CVPA) of the Saint Louis Public Schools district evolved in 1984 from a realization that gifted young artists need highly specialized and rigorous training to be prepared for the intense competition they will meet in colleges, conservatories, and the professional world. The creation of CVPA represented the district’s attempt to correlate an academic program with concentrated training in the arts. 

Rain and a pandemic didn't stop 100's of people from enjoying art again.
​Thank you KPAC (and vaccines;)

Steady crowd came through the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center first annual exhibit all day! 

​Check out Gesso Magazine highlighting the KPAC show (and me:)

I want to to see this exhibit in person. The colors, textures and history will inform both my teaching and art practice. I hope some of it inspires you too.


And my new favorite artist is Bisa Butler. So many exhibits to visit!

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4 Steps to a more joyful, meaningful and manageable life...

Step 1.
​Read descriptions

Private Art Class
Magenta Door Outdoor Studio
Any age
$65 an hour
Enjoy drawing, painting, printmaking, mixed media or garden design in an outdoor studio - weather permitting. If weather does not cooperate, class will be by Zoom.  I'll supply the art materials. Don't forget to bring your mask.  

Private Art Class
Magenta Door Virtual Art Studio
Any age
$60 an hour per household
Painting or Stop-motion video or Manga or Drawing or Printmaking or Mixed Media. You supply the art materials. I'll supply the inspiration. 

Private Art for Well-Being Session
Magenta Door Virtual Art Studio 
Teens and adults
$60 an hour per individual
Art sessions to clear the mind, increase creativity, decrease stress, and learn new skills. You supply the art materials. I'll supply the inspiration. 
.
Group Drawing and Painting Classes
Magenta Door Virtual Art Studio
$30-$60 per evening. 
You supply the art materials. I'll supply the inspiration. 

Possible lessons:
Mandalas
Coasters and Cocktails
​Vision Board
Symbols of Resiliency, Perseverance, and Hope
Inspired by Picasso’s “Bottle of Suze”
Master Mashup
Inspired by Starry Night
Paint like Bob Ross
Watercolor Greeting Cards
​Coffee Stain Drawings

Virtual Art for Well-Being Team Building Workshop
Magenta Door Virtual Art Studio 
$250 per group (Up to 20 participants)

This 1 1/2 hour Art for Well-Being workshop fosters team-building, calmness and self-awareness, enabling participants to adapt to everyday challenges. 

$250 per group. (Up to 20 participants.) 

Additional workshops are available.

Prosecco and Painting Party
Magenta Door Virtual Art Studio
$250-$500

Novice and experienced artists will enjoy one hour of creativity. Gather your friends for a special virtual party. 

Summer Camp
Magenta Door Art Studio
Kids and adults
Drawing, painting, printmaking, and more! Stay tuned to find out if summer camp will be all virtual or in the outdoor studio...

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If you have questions, contact me at magentadoorartstudio@gmail.com. 


​For details and to register, go to Step 2. 

Step 2.
​Get details & register:

Press the blue REGISTER button below. 

Ojascastro Classes and Camps

Register

​Step 3.
​Gather or Purchase Supplies

If you have a stash of art materials, great! If not, here are some resources:

Acrylic Paint
https://www.dickblick.com/items/01637-1019/
Set of Brushes
https://www.dickblick.com/items/05869-0059/
Canvas board
​ https://www.dickblick.com/items/07008-5810/

Model Magic
www.dickblick.com/items/33214-0009/

Inking Pens
https://www.dickblick.com/items/sakura-pigma-micron-pen-set-black-005-set-of-3/

Colored pencils
 https://www.dickblick.com/items/20519-1008/

Watercolor supplies:
https://www.dickblick.com/items/strathmore-400-series-watercolor-block-9-x-12-15-sheets/ 

https://www.dickblick.com/items/prang-watercolor-pans-oval-assorted-set-of-8-colors/. 

https://www.dickblick.com/items/winsor-newton-professional-watercolor-black-box-half-pan-set-of-12/

https://www.dickblick.com/items/blick-bamboo-brush-set-set-of-3/

www.dickblick.com/items/strathmore-cards-and-envelopes-watercolor-greeting-box-of-10/

https://www.michaels.com/strathmore-watercolor-cards-and-envelopes-3.5in-by-4.875in/D243605S.html


RESOURCES:
Quality St. Louis art printer: Diversified Lab
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Step 4.
​If you have a virtual session, look for your Zoom link in your email 24 hours before your Camp, Class, Sip or Session... then join virtually! If you are coming to the outdoor studio, don't forget your mask. Relax and have a seat. I'll be with you momentarily.

On chilly days I have an outdoor heater. On warm days, we'll work under the shade of my apple trees. Rain or snow? Not to worry, we'll reschedule.