­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Nu Barreto: An African watercolor artist living in Paris

In the spirit of Waldorf Education, Wisteria School embraces watercolor. As a new school, we feel fortunate to have been surrounded by three entities, three different continents, for a celebration of illustration through the eyes of an African watercolor artist living in Paris. Collaboration between the Wisteria School, BENTEN Institute, artist Nu Barreto, and the International Center for Watercolor produced many "firsts" with the catalyst being the beauty and artistry of watercolor and story.

Nu's ability to tell a story through his illustrations was the reason that the BENTEN Institute was so eager to support the workshop, exhibition and discussion session. All three showcased works from a children's text book designed to preserve the tradition of African folklore while celebrating the beauty of the land and the people through an art that arises from the purity of water. His demonstrated pen and ink with the layered translucency of his paints gives energy to a static imagery.

Nu Barreto was the first international artist to work with the International Center for Watercolor. This was the first collaboration between BENTEN, the Burchfield Penney, and Wisteria School and the first time that the BENTEN Institute has supported an event in Western New York.

Allita Steward is a public relations specialist and the Coordinator for Wisteria School of Buffalo’s Distinguished Speaker Series. A native of the Queen City, Allita hopes to connect institutions from around the world with the great institutions here in Buffalo, N.Y.