Maria Ojascastro uses the transformative power of visual arts to promote well-being with diverse and underrepresented audiences. She is a teaching artist who has taught for PALM Health, Prison Performing Arts, the Cancer Support Community, Washington University, the Center of Creative Arts, and other cultural and educational institutions both regionally and nationally. Her passion project is the Arts and Healing program that brings writing, visual arts and theatre to adults transitioning out of the criminal justice system.

She received a Master of Fine Arts degree from Washington University in St. Louis and completed Anthropedia’s Well-being coach program. For more information, go to https://www.bextraordinaire.com/magenta-door-art-studio.html#/ or contact her at magentadoorartstudio@gmail.com. 

Shawna Williams exercises her creative muscle as an artist, graphic designer, photographer, teacher, maker and mom. She holds a Master’s Degree in Graphic Design from Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and has experience in small-business, corporate and non-profit marketing. She currently spends her time running Pinspiration a DIY arts & crafts studio in Chesterfield. As a teaching artist, she hopes to share her passion of art and design with others in a fun, inviting atmosphere. 

Julie Graden has been an artist all her life. She has worked in various medias over the years: oils, acrylics, watercolor, computer graphics, poster design, side walk chalk art and murals to name a few.

“My whole direction of my artwork/world changed when I went to a workshop at Marnie’s Creative Outlet, making copper embossing. A creative burst came to me and I thought to myself, I can do something really different working with copper.” Copper art/ mixed media/ metal smithing is now at the forefront of Julie’s efforts. She combines embossing and  hammering copper with wood, paints, and inks and fire to create additional color effects and dimension. Julie’s copper art/ mixed media in  is now on display at two galleries in the greater St. Louis Area. “I look forward to creating something new each day.”

The Grown Folks Art Club is hosted by art instructor Jess Dewes. She has more than 10 years'  experience teaching studio art in public K-12 schools in both Missouri and Vermont. A proud graduate of McCluer High School, The Kansas City Art Institute, and Webster University, Jess's love of art is centered on her appreciation for the small details in everyday objects. She proudly embraces her lack of sophistication when drawing and painting, asking her students to prioritize the process over the product. Her mantra is, "It doesn't matter if it looks real, as long as it FEELS real." Jess lives in Rock Hill with her husband, Mike, and dog, Ruth. She is a new "empty nester", figuring out how to navigate a new chapter of life with her one and only child away at college for the first time.