Guest Teaching Artists
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Maria Ojascastro
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Julie Graden
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Shawna Williams
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Jess Dewes
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Ariel Gardner
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Shanika Hartrum
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.
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.”
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 Creative Array 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.
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.
Ariel Gardner has been knitting for the past 20+ years and teaching knitting and fiber arts classes in the St. Louis area for the past 15 years. Knitting is a daily practice for her, and she always has a knitting project on hand (sometimes while hiking).
Besides knitting, Ariel enjoys watercolor, re-learning how to play the piano, paper mache, collage work, tiny books, and making art for the sake of making it. She holds an English degree from Washington University, has three kids and a bunch of pets, and spends her 9-5 working as a Director of Operations.
You can find her creative pursuits on Instagram @knitarielknit.
Shanika Hartrum is a passionate silversmith, educator, and founder of a thriving handmade jewelry business. Her journey began at just eight years old when she started reimagining and transforming her mother’s jewelry into new, expressive pieces. Mostly self-taught, Shanika has spent years refining her craft. She is driven by curiosity, creativity, a love of learning and building community.
As an instructor, Shanika is dedicated to sharing everything she knows with others. She empowers students at every level, whether you are a true beginner or an advanced maker. Her classes are welcoming, inspiring, and filled with hands-on knowledge designed to bring each student’s vision to life.
Shanika believes jewelry is more than metal and stones. It’s to tell a story, make connections, and express yourself. And she can’t wait to teach you how to create the jewelry of your dreams.
