At Escola Luís de Camões – Newark, we strive to bring unique and enriching cultural experiences to our students, and on a recent special day, we had the honor of welcoming Raquel Costa, a talented visual artist and illustrator from Portugal. Raquel is the author and illustrator of several books, including the inspiring 25 Mulheres, which she discussed in depth with our students.
An Inspiring Conversation About Art and History
Raquel Costa’s visit was a memorable experience for everyone involved. She captivated the students with stories of remarkable women in Portuguese history, sharing the process behind 25 Mulheres and the inspiration behind her work. As she spoke about her journey as an artist, her creative process, and the significance of illustration as a form of storytelling, the students were fully engaged, eager to ask questions and learn from her experiences.
The enthusiasm in the room was undeniable! Our students asked insightful questions, showing their curiosity not only about the women highlighted in her book but also about the world of illustration itself. Raquel took her time to answer each one, sharing valuable insights into her artistic career, her love for storytelling, and the importance of giving a voice to history through art.
Who is Raquel Costa?
Raquel Costa is a visual artist and illustrator from Porto, Portugal. She holds a degree in Fine Arts – Sculpture and a master’s in Teaching Visual Arts. Currently, she teaches at the Escola Superior de Design at the Instituto Politécnico do Cávado e do Ave. Her artwork has been exhibited in Portugal and abroad, and she frequently conducts illustration workshops and live drawing sessions.
As co-founder of the Little Black Spot Creative Studio, Raquel works in illustration and communication design for editorial and advertising markets. She has illustrated numerous children’s books for various national publishers, including NOA, which won the Bissaya Barreto Prize and was published by Oficina do Livro/Leya.
Bringing Culture and Creativity to Escola Luís de Camões
This visit was part of a series of special events at Escola Luís de Camões, designed to enrich our students’ learning experience by exposing them to Portuguese art, literature, and history in dynamic ways. Moments like these are invaluable in strengthening the connection between our students and their Portuguese heritage, fostering a love for language, creativity, and cultural identity.
We are incredibly grateful to Raquel Costa for taking the time to inspire our students, and we look forward to continuing to bring more amazing experiences like this to our school!
🎨📚 Obrigado, Raquel Costa, por partilhar o seu talento e paixão com os nossos alunos! 📚🎨
