digho Paura Session 14

My work reflects all of the things that I am distracted by. Words, nature, a great face! All of these have inspired me at one time or another. They are wrapped up in the magical realism that is genetic when you are born on the coast in Colombia, along with the pop culture seduction of the place I call home. But mostly, it’s the joy of using any materials I have on hand and rising to the challenge of making something tangible from what pops into my head.

Kiera McCourt Davis is a mother of three children and a full-time project manager with a passion for pottery. Her love of clay began at a young age and she spent the next decade improving her hand building techniques. After a hiatus of nearly 10 years, she found her way back during Covid and discovered that her happy place is sitting at a pottery wheel. Her unique wheel-thrown pieces for the PAURA session are an exploration of her heritage, drawing inspiration from Irish history, mythology, language, and culture.

Maria has a BFA in Digital Arts and Design from Long Island University and MFA in Art Administration with a minor in Restoration from the Fashion Institute of Technology. She completed her entire minor in Venice, Italy, with first hand experience on world famous art. 

In 2010, Maria started digho PAURA, an art club with creative support and inspiration.

Maria creates on many platforms and doesn’t limit herself to one medium. Still exploring her comfort zone she is open to all creative expressions.

After Diane’s first Photoshop class in High School, she knew she would wind up in the art field.  In a conceptual art class at Long Island University CW Post, the idea of digho began with an immediate connection to her now business partners.  After graduating from CW Post with a BFA in Digital Art and Design she was accepted into Pratt Institute where she received her MS in Communication Design.  The past 13 years have been an ever growing, ever changing experience of art, design, entrepreneurship and local community advocacy.  

Being a member of PAURA almost from inception has allowed her to continue her personal exploration and growth through hand drawn writings and illustrations on paper.

Diane’s art related achievements include receiving an Excellence in Mixed Media Award from CW Post Fine Art Department, an Installer for the NYC art installation, The Gates, by world famous artists Christo and Jeanne Claude, Founder and CoChair of the Arts & Experiences Committee that spearheaded a wide PUBlic Art Crawl through the Chamber which she also sits on the Executive Board.  Beginning Fall 2023 she will be teaching graphic design at her alma mater, CW Post.

Diane is a lifetime resident of Long Island and now resides in Bethpage with her husband Mike, and their daughters Rose, Stefania and Teresa.  She is passionate about family, friends, food and unique creative expression.

Lydia Rivera is an artist and exhibition professional living and making art here in Huntington. After earning a BFA with a concentration in photography from Purchase College and an MPS from Pratt Institute in Arts and Cultural Management, she continues to create and exhibit her own artwork in addition to assisting other artists, curators, galleries, museums and foundations with exhibitions, events and collections in the NYC area and internationally.  

I learned from a young age that a way to quiet a busy and anxious mind was through creating. Growing up, I would often escape into wild elaborate daydreams to help regulate myself. 

This body of work is an ongoing compilation of windows into those dreamscapes. Each piece is unique but shares a common theme, suspending reality and evoking the feeling that anything is possible.

Here you’re invited to disappear into my world and seek refuge in the nostalgia of imagination. Use this imagery as a tool to calm your mind at the end of a busy day. Allow yourself to indulge in your daydreams. 

Elizabeth Villacres is a Long Island, NY artist that draws inspiration from memories, vintage aesthetic, nature, her travels, cultures, dancing, traditions but adding her own twist, folklore and music. Her eclectic mind gives room to try to unearth unknown views. To her the world around her contains many unseen worlds that are waiting to be voiced, unveiled, and explored. You can view more of her work on her website www.ElizabethVillacres.com. As for pricing- $65 for each one. The only Exception is Spain, that one is not for sale…since I have plans for that art piece lol. FYI I won’t be publishing my website till this Sunday, just in case it’s relevant to know.