Student Spotlight: Kate Fiasconaro ’27 on Reimagining the Virgin Mary

Recently, Mary Ann Connolly, a Sister of Charity, Halifax, wrote an article for Global Sisters Report: A Project of National Catholic Reporter. The piece focused on a striking image of the Virgin Mary created by her grandniece, Kate Fiasconaro ’27 of South Boston. Since her aunt’s article was published, the elementary education and studio arts double major has received a wave of positive feedback for her work. 

“I’m usually pretty introverted, especially when it comes to putting my art out there,” Fiasconaro said. “So having people see this on a large scale is a new experience for me. The response has been really nice.” 

We recently sat down with Fiasconaro to talk about how her Stonehill experience inspired the image, how she hopes to make art part of her career, and more. 

How did your journey as an artist begin? 

I’ve been doodling little pictures for as long as I can remember, but I really started taking it seriously in the sixth grade. I remember designing a picture and showing it to my family. They were so supportive and it just kind of took off from that one picture. So, I took art classes all throughout grade school, but for the most part, I like to say I’m self-taught. I relied on books and YouTube channels to discover artists I like and realize which styles I lean toward. 

What inspired your image of the Virgin Mary? 

Inspiration really struck me at the beginning of the fall semester. In Professor Mary Joan Leith’s course, “The Virgin Mary and Images of the Feminine as Divine,” we were shown a painting that an artist made to showcase Mary in a more historically accurate way than she usually is. The image stuck with me for a while. Then, we took a class field trip to the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. While there, I saw many images of the Virgin Mary. I felt compelled to go home and try my hand at creating a realistic image of Mary. I researched traditional clothing and symbols of the region where Mary lived and combined those with some of the artistic elements we discussed in class.   

What materials did you use to produce the image? 

I use my iPad for my art. I created this image on a program called Procreate. There are brush tools on there that replicate different textures.  

How did creating this image impact you? 

I don’t consider myself a very religious person, but you always see images of Mary, Jesus and Joseph that are influenced by Western culture, even though that’s not where this family came from. So, it feels nice to be able to make something that’s at least somewhat more accurate to what they would have looked like.  

What is the most interesting feedback you've received about the image?  

It’s been interesting that this picture has resonated with so many people. My aunt has received so many emails from people who have said that they can’t get this image of Mary out of their head while they’re praying, which has been amazing to hear. I didn’t really expect it to have that impact.                                                                                       

How will art factor into your life and career after you graduate from Stonehill?  

I love art so much. It’s my whole world. I really want to be an art teacher. I loved my art teachers in middle and high school. They had a huge influence on me. I want to be that person for other kids. I’m excited that I’ll be placed at a local school through Stonehill to gain real world experience working with children while I’m still in college. 

Kate Fiasconaro ’27