Maria Mediratta

Maria Mediratta (she/her) is an artist, educator and arts administrator currently based in Windsor, Ontario.

Primarily, she is a print, zine, illustration and mail artist playing with the tension between the virtual and the tangible world. She has also been working in Windsor’s Arts and Culture sector for just over five years.  Mediratta holds an MFA in Visual Arts and a BA in Visual Arts, Communication, Media & Film. She has been contracted by the Art Gallery of Windsor, University of Windsor, Greater Essex County District School Board, Vanguard Youth Arts Collective, and Artcite Inc. Mediratta is the recipient of both the John Kenneth Pufal and Warner-Lambert Scholarships for Excellence in Printmaking and has been in a handful of exhibitions around North America. Most recently, she was the first Emerging Artist in Residence with Art Windsor Essex.

Photo Credit: Earl Land

What is your role with the ACWR team?
I am currently the Administrative & Outreach Coordinator for ACWR. 

What is your favourite part about being involved with ACWR?
The Arts Council has been a great resource for me, even before I joined the organization’s staff. It’s very welcoming, has so much history and is continuously adapting. Now, as a member of the team, I have the privilege of actively contributing to the mission of extending resources to fellow creatives and sharing in the responsibility of artistic growth within our community.

What makes ACWR important to the Windsor region and to local artists?
When I first visited ACWR, I immediately appreciated how accessible the space and staff are to creatives of all disciplines. The organization not only runs ArtSpeak gallery, but provides workshops, events, grant resources, opportunities to their membership and beyond. ACWR  also plays a role in supporting the Vanguard Youth Arts Collective. This collective provides initiatives for young and emerging artists, making ACWR an unparalleled resource for artists in our area.

Are you an artist? Can you tell us about your work?

Primarily, I am a print, zine, illustration, and mail artist, exploring the tension between the virtual and the tangible world within my work. My educational background includes an MFA in Visual Arts and a BA in Visual Arts, Communication, Media & Film. Currently, I serve as an arts administrator with Arts Council Windsor & Region and serve as President of the board of directors for Artcite Inc.

In the past, I’ve been contracted by the Art Gallery of Windsor, University of Windsor, Greater Essex County District School Board, Vanguard Youth Arts Collective, and Artcite Inc. In 2022, I had the honor of being the first Emerging Artist in Residence with Art Windsor Essex. I am also the recipient of both the John Kenneth Pufal and Warner-Lambert Scholarships for Excellence in Printmaking, and my work has been featured in exhibitions across North America.

What are some ways that you like to show your appreciation for art?
I really appreciate the arts community, and try to support them as much as possible. I try to sing their praises, promote their work, connect people with opportunities or like-minded folks. 

How does art help you in other areas of life?
Being a creative and maker is satisfying, rewarding and has helped me become a better problem solver! Working in a creative discipline has also led to some of my strongest and most meaningful friendships.

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