Crown Center, COCA partner for arts program

Crown Center for Senior Living and COCA (Center of Creative Arts) have partnered to establish an artist-in-residence program. COCA teaching artist Maria Ojascastro will work with Crown Center to plan, create, present and facilitate a range of visual art programs and opportunities for residents and older adults in the community at large.  

Ojascastro received a Master of Fine Arts degree from Washington University; studied art in Italy and at Saint Mary’s College.  Ojascastro has lead workshops for educators and medical & mental health professionals for COCA, The Kemper Art Museum, and other cultural and educational institutions nationally. Crown Center is looking forward to having Ojascastro bring her expertise and experience to the residents and community.

Upcoming art programs include: 

• Nov. 7: Homage Art Doll

At 3 p.m. COCA teaching artist Mary Beth Tipton will guide participants through the process of creating a playful homage to a special person or aspect of oneself.  Participants will build small figures out of wire armatures and paper mache. 

• Nov. 21: Sumi-e Painting Program 

At 3 p.m. Ojascastro will lead a class on Sumi-e, a Japanese painting technique that utilizes simple brush strokes and black India ink. Participants will be shown how to paint a variety of plants that represent resiliency, courage and perseverance.

For more information, call Crown Center at 314-991-2055.