Women’s History Month brings attention to two Wilmington artists

The artwork of two Wilmington women is on display at the Christina Cultural Arts Center.

Marie Cousar’s paintings and Bria Noel’s photography will be on display at the Arts Center in Wilmington until the end of April. Their work is also being featured as part of Wilmington’s Art Loop, which showcases the work of local artists at various businesses and organizations throughout the city.

Noel’s work and Cousar’s work are different from each other.

Noel, a photographer, tells stories through a camera lens. “The expression of art through a lens is so amazing. People all over the world may not be able to understand each other language-wise, but through a photo there’s that connection that we all have,” Noel said.

Cousar says painting wasn’t always a big part of her life. It was a skill she developed over time.

“Just the thought of being able to paint, it just seems so farfetched,” Cousar said. “I always said I can’t paint a straight line, so I never even tried, but 10 years ago, I saw an ad in the paper for an art class.”

For Noel, photography just happened as well, thanks to a new camera and friends who supported her hobby.

“I just love to see women in general just flourish. I love to see women, you know, reach beyond the stars, achieve great things. There’s so much greatness around me constantly. I always try to absorb it all,” Noel said.

March is Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate amazing women in history and those making their mark in the community.

“There weren’t always a lot of women artists way back,” Cousar said. “We’re still in the field, and we’re growing.”

However, there’s one thing she doesn’t want people to lose sight of this month, especially as it relates to her journey.

“I’m 74 years old. I’m almost 75, and it shows you, that you’re never too old to learn something new or to try something new. Just don’t give up on your dreams,” Cousar said.