An Interview with 4th Street Fine Art Artist Mara Galvao

Please introduce yourself. Who are you? Where did you grow up? Where do you live?
My name is Mara Galvao. I was born in a small town in Goiás, Brazil, where I have wonderful memories from. I live in the San Francisco Bay Area with my family, since 2000.

Tell us more about what you create. What style(s) do you work in, mediums, etc.
I am an Abstract Expressionist painter. I use a variety of mediums like, acrylics, oils, inks, charcoals, enamels, pigments and more, to express myself through my art. I also make free style wall tapestries and textiles, using yarns, raffia, hopes...

Where can we find your art besides at 4th Street?
In my studio, by appointment.

How long have you been creating?
I started painting in Brazil, in the 90’s, where I had my first exhibitions.

When you're not making your art, what do you do?
I have a husband, three kids and two granddaught that keep me busy. I love to cook for family and friends and I do it very often I also love to travel. I like books, movies and coffee...

Is creativity a luxury or necessity for you? Tell us more about that.
Ohhh, a necessity for sure. How can I survive without doing my art, my creations? I would go crazy.

What obstacles have you had to overcome to lead a creative life?
I’ve had different types of obstacles, mostly not related to the art itself, but things that I had to deal with, In order to keep my creativity alive.

Did someone in your family, a friend or teacher introduce you to your creative side or have they helped you along the way?
I believe art has been always a part of me and I have a very supportive, wonderful family who has been on my since the beginning of my career.

Where do you find inspiration?
I get inspired very easily (laughter)...
Anything beautiful, colorful, textured...I love to see or hear about other artist’s works, specially great masters. It makes me want to go straight to my studio and start to paint.

What’s on the horizon for you and what you do?
I hope to be blessed enough to keep painting or doing anything creative for the rest of my life and felling amazing about it.

If money wasn’t an issue, would your life change with regards to your art?
I do what I do because I love it, so I think I would just keep going in the same direction, only with less stress (laugh).

What inspiring advice would you give to other creatives be they established or just starting out?
I know It will sound like a cliche but I would say ,“never give up”.

Photos and Videos from our Recent Opening Reception - Those Eyes Featuring Wendy Sparks and Jeff Torquemada

A Conversation about Art with the Oakland Museum of Children's Art (MOCHA)

A young girl creating art at MOCHA.

Katie Sammon and Haldun Morgan

4th Street Fine Art spoke with MOCHA representatives Katie Sammon, Director of Programs and Haldun Morgan, Director of Marketing.

FSFA: MOCHA has a new space at 1221 Broadway in Oakland. What's different?
​MOCHA: Our new space is great! It allows MOCHA to have simultaneous program spaces where we can interact with children and families through hands-on art making in our studios, and exhibit local art in our gallery. It was important to us that we remain in downtown Oakland, and the new museum is located in City Center, right at the 12th Street BART station. We look forward to opening our doors and welcoming people in to our new museum in January 2019.

FSFA: What's special about MOCHA?
MOCHA: We provide children, youth and adults opportunities to create, share, explore, and connect through art. MOCHA is unique because we're not a traditional museum; our space is not just for looking, but for creating and expressing too. And that’s what makes us special, the emphasis is not only on the artwork made but the engagement and learning that happens in the the process of making art.

FSFA: What are your most popular programs?
MOCHA: Our Camps for elementary aged students are very popular. Anytime school is out, MOCHA camps are happening. We also have Open Studio Wednesday through Saturday, which is a drop-in program for participants to engage with and explore the elements of art. Open Studio is not just for kids though; it provides opportunities for parents and kids to co-create and co-learn. On weekends, MOCHA is busy with Art Parties and other events.
​
FSFA: When did MOCHA start? How does MOCHA work with schools?
MOCHA: Our artist residencies started in schools in 1989 when California eliminated funding for arts. In addition to field trips to our museum, we’ve been leading artist residencies at schools and in community spaces for 30 years. If there’s a school without an art teacher, MOCHA provides an artist. These programs are true collaborations between MOCHA and our community partners throughout the Bay Area. Through our school, community and museum programs, MOCHA reaches 25,000 people annually. 

FSFA: Join FSFA and MOCHA for the Holiday Auction!
​This this Saturday, December 1st, 4th Street Fine Art is partnering with The Museum of Children's Art (MOCHA) for something extra special. Click here to get the scoop!

---

A birthday party at MOCHA.