Remembering Maris Platais, Gifted Artist and Beloved Teacher

Maris Platais Age 87, of Carlisle, passed away peacefully on July 18, 2024, after a brief illness.  Born in Jelgava, Latvia, Maris and his family fled their homeland in 1944 to arrive in Boston in 1949. Maris was a graduate of the Boston Tech High School. After serving in the United States Marine Corps, he graduated from Tufts University and the School of the Museum of Fine Arts. Maris’ passion for art became his career, first at Dennison Manufacturing Co. in Framingham and later, his award-winning fine art was featured in galleries worldwide.

Art was his passion from the time that he was a child. He developed a highly skilled visual memory and combined that with his imagination to create exquisite pen and inks, etchings and light-filled acrylics. He was an active and  long time member of the Guild of Boston Artists. In addition to being  a gifted artist, Maris was also a beloved teacher at the Tolles Parson Center in Wellesley and  gave artist demonstrations for local art groups including the WSA. His joy of life was infectious and he will be missed enormously.

 

 

Remembering Roger Kastel

The WSA would like to share the sad news that Roger Kastel internationally acclaimed artist and WSA member passed away in early November at the age of 92. Although Roger will be forever remembered for his iconic “Jaws” painting, his humble, kind, and generous spirit will endure in the hearts of those who knew him. The art world has lost a great talent and the world has lost a wonderful human being. 
 
Roger Kastel, First Place, “Bluebird” at the Annual Library Show 2018
 
He was also the WSA Artist of the Month in April 2021.