Do Ir eally need to read thefine pr int?

bulletin board,” Moira says. “Someone approached me, and asked if I was creative and good at writing. I said yes. This chance encounter led to a job as a PR assistant at the college. Almost everything that has happened in my life has been due to twists of fate, such as someone making a random comment to me, or being in the right place at the right time.”

It all Begins with Lauryn Hill

During her time at UWS, Moira created a beautiful, rainbow-hued portrait of the singer Lauryn Hill. As a result of this painting, she was discovered by a man named Daniel Oyinloye, who would eventually become a close friend and a mentor to her. Daniel ran a multimedia storytelling group called Goody Night, and Moira was eventually asked to participate, painting in real time for an audience during a live performance.

“That portrait of Lauryn Hill was the core piece of artwork which opened a lot of doors for me,” she says. “And, both as an artist and in my personal life, joining Goody Night became a pivotal moment for me.”

At the age of 18, Moira joined the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council. She still serves on its board. She is also still associated with Goody Night, where she and the rest of the team continue to collaborate.

Immersed in Art

In 2013, Moira entered her first art show. Since then, she has made it a point to try to land one art show or exhibition per month.

As a result of painting for 12 hours straight while creating art for a fundraiser, Moira began suffering complications from carpal tunnel syndrome in 2014. She had surgery on her elbow and continues a therapy routine for remaining nerve issues, but the effects linger. Never one to be held back, she has adapted, and amazingly started creating pastel chalk pieces with her non-dominant hand.

Moira’s art has recently been on display at Superior’s Red

Mug Coffee House. Coming up on her schedule are a Resist and Protect show at Zeitgeist Arts Cafe, and an exhibition at the Troubadour Wine Bar in the Twin Cities.

Work

While Moira makes a bit of money selling her artwork, she also has a full-time job. She is the arts and cultural program coordinator for the American Indian Community Housing Organization, dividing her time between their American Indian Center and the domestic violence shelter.

Moira recently applied and was accepted to live in Duluth’s Washington Studios Artist Cooperative. It features an art gallery, a wood shop room, and plenty of spaces for artists to live in a community and create art. “Most of my friends are artists, creatives, and others who are out doing things in the community,” she says. When she isn’t working or creating art, Moira loves to go out dancing with her friends.

Bringing it Full Circle

Throughout Moira’s life, art has been a constant companion and friend during the tough times. She can sit down to create a pastel piece or a portrait, and reflect on all of the nuances of her busy life. “For me,” Moira says, “Art is a very safe space to make mistakes.” D

To learn more about Moira Villiard and view her art, you can find her on Facebook and Instagram.