Maria is an artist, educator, and writer of color.
She started her business, Sketch Odyssey East Bay, to create a platform to offer outdoor sketching and painting workshops to underserved and under-resourced communities. She has extensive experience in curriculum design, program design and leadership, and public communications and is well-versed in social justice, fine arts, and teaching and learning. Maria is committed to using her skills and knowledge to make a positive impact in the lives of others. She believes that art is an important tool for self-expression and community building, and she wants to make it accessible to everyone.
Introduction
Maria is a graduate of the Art Academy of Cincinnati, where she earned a BFA in Fine Arts. Maria has a strong foundation in the arts and humanities. Maria earned an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Texas at El Paso and an MA in Comparative Literature from the University of Cincinnati demonstrating her skills in writing, research, and critical analysis. Her coursework in Border Studies at UTEP and in Pre-Columbian Art History at UC demonstrates a deep interest in cross-cultural and interdisciplinary approaches to the arts.
Maria’s professional accomplishments beyond her BFA include receiving several grants and fellowships to support her artistic and peacebuilding work. She has also worked as a teaching artist and a community organizer and is committed to using her art and art practice to make a difference in the world.
I have always been an artist.
I remember when I was a child, I would spend hours drawing and painting. I loved the way I could create something out of nothing. Art was my way of expressing myself and exploring the world around me. I came to the States when I was very young; my mother remarried and so we immigrated from Colombia. It was a difficult time for me, as I was leaving behind everything I knew. However, art helped me to cope with the transition. It was a way for me to connect with my new home and to find my place in the world.
As I got older, I continued to pursue my passion for art. I went to art school and studied painting and drawing. I also started to exhibit my work in galleries. I was fortunate enough to have some success as an artist, but I also faced challenges. I was often criticized for my work, and I sometimes doubted my own abilities. However, I never gave up on my dream of becoming a professional artist.
Today, I am working towards becoming a full-time artist. I create paintings and drawings. I also teach art classes and workshops. I am passionate about sharing my love of art with others and inspiring them to be creative. I believe that art is important for everyone, and it can be a way to express ourselves, explore our emotions, and connect with others.
I am grateful for the journey that has brought me to where I am today. I have learned a lot along the way, and I am excited to see what the future holds. I am committed to continuing to create art and to sharing my work with others. I believe that art has the power to change the world, and I am proud to be a part of that.
Partners
