On the recordFebruary 27, 2020
In honor of Women's History Month, I would like to recognize Maria Ramos. Maria Ramos Joiner was born in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. At the age of 3, her father decided to move the family to the Bronx in New York in search of the American Dream. The New York public school system gave her the opportunity to attend field trips to museums and cultural art centers, sparking her love for the arts with her first visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Influenced by her mother's old Bible, with its beautiful illustrations and stories, Maria's passion for artistic expression further grew. The oldest of six, she collected brown paper bags as her canvases and confiscated every pen, pencil, or crayon that was unattended for her pretend studio. Mostly self-taught, Maria's work has been shown in galleries and museums. Maria has also donated work for fundraisers to raise money for various causes. One of the most important works she has exhibited was at the Mennello Museum, honoring the Pulse nightclub victims in 2016. After its exhibition initially, Maria graciously donated the piece to the city of Orlando. Maria has also been recognized for her art depicting the culture of Puerto Rico, with an influence from the European masters she studied. Maria is an advocate for the homeless and is known for her charitable work throughout the years, whether through her art donations or when someone is in need. For that, Maria Ramos, we honor you. Honoring Colonel Paulette Schank
