Winter exhibit, "Unwavering Grace," by alum, Mari Keeler Cornwell '96, opens January 18

Stuart is pleased to announce the upcoming winter gallery exhibition, “Unwavering Grace,” featuring the work of artist and Stuart alumna, Mari Keeler Cornwell. The exhibit will showcase Cornwell’s evocative acrylic paintings that celebrate the strength, resilience, and unique stories of women from diverse backgrounds.

“Mari’s show exemplifies Stuart's commitment to fostering creativity and empowering voices through art,” said Andres Duque, Gallery Director. “Her work not only highlights her artistic mastery but also reflects the powerful influence of the women who have inspired her life and career.”

The exhibit highlights Cornwell’s portraits of remarkable women, including Moniza, a human rights lawyer from Karachi, Pakistan, who defied traditional norms to advocate for Afghan refugees, and Mary, her paternal grandmother, who became Venezuela’s first female aviator and a symbol of independence and determination.

“These paintings are a tribute to the strength of women, capturing their unique stories and resilience,” said Keeler. “My own journey—from growing up in Venezuela to becoming an artist in the U.S.—mirrors the boldness I try to express on canvas.”

The public is invited to view “Unwavering Grace” on display in Stuart’s Considine Gallery from January 18, 2025, through February 15, 2025. An opening reception will be held on January 18, from 2:30 to 4:00 PM. The gallery is open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday, when school is in session. A portion of the proceeds from select works will support causes that align with the artist’s mission of empowerment.

About the Artist:

Born in Caracas, Venezuela, Mari Keeler Cornwell ‘96 is a classically trained artist whose journey has been shaped by the vibrant hues of her homeland and the formidable women in her life, including her grandmother, Mary Calcaño, Venezuela's first female aviator. In 1989, her family relocated to Princeton, NJ, where Mari spent her formative years at Stuart Country Day School, gaining confidence and cultivating her passion for art. After earning her B.F.A. from Laguna College of Art and Design, she balanced a career in advertising with her artistic practice, exhibiting her work in New York City. Now a professional artist and educator, Mari’s work celebrates the strength and resilience of women, drawing inspiration from the stories and identities that have shaped her own.