Celebrating the Purchase of "Lost Hope" by Isabela Monterola

We are honored to announce that Lost Hope, an original work by Refuge Art School student artist Isabela Monterola, has been purchased by the Parker Foundation as a gift to Karen Carpertner, a Refuge long-time supporter.

This acquisition represents more than the purchase of a painting; it is an investment in a young artist's voice and in the power of art to tell stories that deserve to be heard. We are deeply grateful to the Parker Foundation for their continued support of Refuge Art School and our mission. By choosing to display artwork created by our students in their office, they are creating a space where young artists' experiences, perspectives, and talents can be seen and valued every day.

Isabela Monterola (21) is a local Salvadoran artist who was born in Boston and joined Refuge Art School in 2022. Since becoming part of our community, she has primarily explored drawing and painting while continually pushing herself to develop new techniques and strengthen her artistic practice. Inspired by watching her siblings create art, Isabela has built a body of work rooted in dreams, emotions, imagination, and childhood memories. For her, the process of making art is both deeply personal and therapeutic; a way to reflect, heal, and transform difficult experiences into something meaningful.

Her piece, Lost Hope, speaks to the devastating impact immigration and deportation can have on families.

"Lost Hope is about how immigration and deportation break apart families. It focuses on my childhood connection with my brother and how forced separation affected our bond, leaving a hole in our family. The surrounding houses highlight the importance of family and the impact of a broken home. The stitched lines symbolize the healing needed to mend the wounds that are left. The text represents the thoughts and words that were recurring in his absence."

Works like Lost Hope remind us that art has the ability to preserve personal histories, foster empathy, and spark important conversations. We are incredibly proud of Isabela for sharing such a vulnerable and powerful story through her work.

Thank you again to the Parker Foundation for believing in our students and for continuing to champion emerging artists in our community. Partnerships like these not only provide meaningful opportunities for young artists; they affirm that their stories matter and deserve a place in the world.