About Maureen St Clair

Living and working in Grenada has inspired my present path, painting women in celebratory poses and coordinating/facilitating various community education programs. I left Canada in 1993 and since then have made Grenada my home. I met my life partner Theo soon after arriving in Grenada and in 2001 we planted our own roots with the birth of our daughter maya.

In 2000, my art career began with the exhibition of my work in community and national art shows in Grenada.

The positive response motivated me to bring my work to Canada the following summer. Art lovers throughout the Caribbean, Canada, United States, and the UK have purchased my pieces.

I work part time as a freelance community educator, coordinating and facilitating programs in rural Grenada. Since 2003, I have been partnering with Grenada Save the Children (GRENSAVE), a local non-government organization that promotes education and community participation through children and youth programs.

About Grenada

 Known as the “Spice Isle”, the island state of Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique lie twelve degrees north of the equator, in the southern Caribbean. The Mainland is 12 by 21 miles with a population of 95,000. The mixture of African, East Indian, French, and British influences has left an interesting cultural blend reflected in the folklore, dialect, music and general way of life. Some older people still speak French-African patois but generally people speak Grenadian English dialect.

On September 7, 2004 hurricane Ivan struck the island of Grenada leaving majority of families homeless. 90% of Grenada’s infrastructure was damaged or destroyed including homes, schools and churches. Agriculture and tourism, Grenada’s primary sources of revenue, were seriously impacted. Grenada was hit again by hurricane Emily July 2005.

Grenadian children and youth were greatly impacted by both hurricanes as they struggle with problems faced by their immediate families, communities and schools. As a result, many children continue to struggle with low self-esteem and confidence.

Since hurricane Ivan a percentage of my art sales is used to fund children and youth programs in Grenada. The programs offer supportive learning environments where art is used as the medium to enable kids to cope with stressful situations, and learn skills such as conflict resolution, leadership, group-building, and communication. Through these programs children and youth also begin to explore, discover, and exercise their creative talents and potential.