The paintings and prints Maria Ojascastro makes reveal themselves by degrees. In the depth of layers, the studied application of colors that build energy and imagery, with subtle differences and fine distinctions of line, shape and form, her pieces draw viewers in. Her works speak universal truths through her very personal lens.
~Pat Eby, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
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Glimpse of Hope
Kirkwood Performing Arts Center Spring 2021 It was my pleasure to present the artwork of some of my high school students in the same venue as my exhibit. In August 2020, I had the great privilege to be a long-term substitute teacher at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School. What the students created while attending school virtually 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: 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
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My first Peace Pole.
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Made by my Cancer Support Community students.
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Made by my Center of Creative Arts students.
The Peace Poles movement started in Japan over fifty years ago. There are over 200,000 Peace Poles in the world on every continent. This message "May Peace Prevail on Earth" is usually written on the poles and they are planted to uplift, empower and elevate the human consciousness to embrace the oneness of our global family.
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Read article in the St. Louis Jewish Light:
Artists Explore Theme of Resilience |
Much of the art in this exhibit is based around surviving significant challenges. Windows, doorways, locks and keys symbolize choosing to move forward. The clocks set at a little past midnight represent living the life I would have chosen. "This Little Piggy Went to the Market" series reflects the humor and joy that surrounds me. Symbols from this series are from my Filipino-American upbringing.
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