Maria Servellón teaches Boston students how to tell stories through art

MassLive recently asked readers to nominate who they see as Latino and Hispanic leaders in Massachusetts working to bring about change across the state.

Profiles of these leaders will be published during Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15. These are individuals who readers have found inspiring, who can do good deeds for their communities. They are recognized for their achievements, leadership and commitment to inspiring change.

Maria Servellón

Age: 34

Community: Boston

Her story: Maria Servellón is a multimedia artist, filmmaker, and educator whose work explores the interplay between art, music, and dance and how they can shape human identity.

Originally from Boston, Servellón attended UMass Boston to earn her bachelor’s degree, according to her Northeastern University faculty profile. It took her a while to figure out what major would keep her creative “spark” going, but she ultimately settled on studio art, she wrote.

“In school, I was the kind of student who would gladly clear my desk when the art or science teacher announced something new,” she wrote. “The opportunity to build, create, design, and explore things from different angles always filled me with excitement.”

According to her Northeastern profile, Servellón earned a master of fine arts degree in film and media arts from Emerson College. She has since completed several performing arts fellowships, and her award-winning films have been featured in more than a dozen film festivals, according to her website.

“My goal in this work is to use art to inspire, uplift, and connect people,” she wrote. “I hope I can continue to help build this community where art is a catalyst for positive change.”

One of Servellón’s most well-known works is a short, semi-biographical film titled “Hyphen,” which follows four versions of the same character as they embark on a transformative journey of identity and learn to use different artistic means to overcome their challenges.

“Through collaboration and experimentation, I enjoy creating immersive experiences that foster dialogue and understanding, both within myself and in the community,” she wrote. “Spaces for making and playing serve as places for collective growth.”

Servellón became an art teacher and currently teaches at Northeastern and Massachusetts College of Art & Design.

“I feel such pride in seeing my students light up with the same creative excitement I once felt. To watch them engage in something creative and new and to take in the inspiring joy of it,” she wrote. “My mission is to empower the next generation of artists to create meaningful work.”

But Servellón says she’s simply grateful for the opportunity to continue her creative work.

“Over the years, I have met many professionals who now work in corporations or boardrooms. I am often amazed at how many of them wanted to be artists, singers, dancers or actors when they were younger, as if it were a lost dream,” she wrote. “I believe that the door of creativity is never closed to anyone and is open to everyone.”

In her words: “If your story means something to you and your journey through it was worthwhile, share it with those who need to hear it.”

We are always open to hearing about more inspiring people. If you would like to suggest someone else who should be recognized, please fill out this form.