ARTIST STATEMENT

Courage, strength, and resilience of women worldwide inspire my work.
I believe art has the power to empower and I hope to promote and provoke images of personal and community power through the women I paint.

Witnessing women struggle on a daily basis but also witnessing these same women celebrate their lives through music, dance, friendship and simply being in community continues to strengthen my present path painting celebration pieces.


SOLO AND GROUP EXHIBITIONS

Upcoming September 2009 - Small and Tall Café and Gallery Antigonish, Nova Scotia

Upcoming October 2009 - Down to Earth Art Gallery Antigonish, Nova Scotia

2009
Arts Council Annual Exhibit, Grenada, W.I.
La Sagesse Nature Centre and Art Gallery, Grenada, WI

2008
Arts Council Annual Exhibit, Grenada, W
I La Sagesse Nature Centre and Art Gallery, Grenada, WI

2007
Arts Council Annual Exhibit, Grenada. WI
La Sagesse Nature Centre and Art Gallery, Grenada, WI

2006
Wild Oat Café, Ottawa, Canada
Arts Council Annual Exhibit, Grenada, WI

2005
Grenada Yacht Club, Grenada, WI
Arts Council Annual Exhibit, Grenada, WI
Green Door Restaurant, Ottawa, Canada
Galerie D 'Art Nader, Florida, US

COMMISSIONED WORK

The Nova Scotia Women's Resource Centre
World Health Organization/ Grenada Health Organization
North Carolina Music Festival
Cahoots: Canadian online Women's magaizine

COLLECTORS

The National Republic Bank, Grenada, WI
Antigonish Women's Resource Centre, Antigonish, Nova Scotia
Coady International Institute, Antigonish, Nova Scotia
St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, Nova Scotia
Personal collectors in UK, Canada, Caribbean and US

GALLERIES

Down to Earth Gallery - Antigonish, Nova Scotia
The Red Door Gallery - Virginia, US
Yellow Poui Gallery - St. George's, Grenada
La Sagesse Nature Centre - St. David's, Grenada

Biography

Maureen St. Clair is a self taught artist who began painting while living and working in Grenada, West Indies. Inspired by the strength, love and natural rhythms of Caribbean people, St. Clair paints pieces of celebration and gratitude. Simple yet vibrant shapes and colors dominate her canvases and bring life to the people dancing, strolling, posing or raising a fist in solidarity across the canvas. Her work has been described as simple yet powerful and courageous in its ability to move and provoke feelings of self and community empowerment.

In 2000, St. Clair's art career began with the exhibition of her work in community and national art shows in Grenada. The positive response motivated St. Clair to exhibit her paintings in Canada. Art lovers throughout Europe, Caribbean, Canada, United States and the UK have purchased these celebration pieces.

St. Clair works part time as a freelance community educator and facilitator. Presently her passion lies in empowering youths through peace and art education. St. Clair believes art is a powerful tool for youths to explore, discover and exercise their creative power and potential. The main objective of "Peace through Art" programs is to build environments where kids feel safe, respected and valued while engaged in peace through art activities. The programs provide children and youths an opportunity to discuss, identify and explore conflict on a personal, family and community level. Kids are encouraged to learn and practice youth-centred conflict resolution and peace building strategies using various expressions of art, including dance, spoken word, story telling, drama and visual arts.

As an artist and peace educator St. Clair is interested in art as a catalyst for social and personal change. St. Clair uses a percentage of her art sales to assist in funding community peace programs in Grenada, WI.