The artist, Sister Joel Zarotiadou, F.M.M, of Greek and Russian heritage
was born in Russia. At age 3, her family immigrated to China where she spent much of her
life. She was educated by the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary.
As a young woman, Sr. Joel studied art with the Russian painter, Lobanov,
whose artistic influence and spiritual guidance had a profound impact on her career as
an artist.
In 1950, she entered with the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary in Peking.
She taught art and music in an international school until 1966,
when she and other Catholic missionaries were expelled from China
during the Red Guard Revolt.
She is a graduate of the New England School Of Art and Design and had studied
modern art at Northeastern University. She works in a variety of mediums:
oils, acrylics, water colors and pastels. For themes, she chooses
landscapes, seascapes, Chinese silk paintings and portraits.
She is particularly interested in murals.