I’m writing with a heart full of gratitude as we join to celebrate a monumental occasion – BAYarts’ 75th year of nurturing creativity and fostering artistic growth. It’s an honor to be a part of this community. I have two important BAYarts memories that shaped my career as an artist.
It was a time of uncertainty for me – maybe it was around 1990 – having just stepped away from art school, I found myself uncertain of where my path as an artist should lead. On a whim, I decided to submit a painting to the BayCrafters Annual Cat Show. I was surprised and elated to be accepted in the show. But the defining moment came when I sold my painting at the event. It was more than just a transaction; it was the small encouragement I needed to continue on my creative path.
The second instance was when I did not get accepted into a BAYarts juried show many years later – I think it was in 2009. I was a little forlorn as I walked out with my work, but I heard a voice behind me yell, “Are you Angela Oster?!!!” It was Erin Stack, the Education Director at the time, and she invited me to show my work in the shop. From there, she invited me to be an instructor for kids classes and girls camp which I’ve done ever since.
The sense of community at BAYarts is infectious, and it has pushed me far beyond what my limited self-confidence would have allowed previously. Thank you BAYarts and congratulations on 75 years!
Angela Oster has brought her charming, offbeat artistic style to our students, both young and old, for over a decade! Thank you, Angela, for being an indispensable part of our organization.
