Martha Valenta
Current Hyperfocus: ADHD Brain Coral
Art that encourages self-acceptance and understanding of ADHD.
What is ADHD Brain Coral?
While vacationing in Belize, I was spiraling with negative self-talk over a pre-vacation, ADHD flub. Diving into the reef calmed me. When I spotted a brain coral, its curvy, mesmerizing patterns felt like a reflection of my own ADHD brain. In that moment, I accepted my beautifully inconsistent brain. Upon my return to St. Louis, I began sketching and painting what became ADHD Brain Coral, in hopes that it would help others find self-acceptance.
Goals and Plans for ADHD Brain Coral
ADHD Brain Coral is intended to help folks who have ADHD find self-acceptance, while encouraging others to better understand the neurodiverse experience.
In 2024/2025, ADHD Brain Coral is evolving into interactive, immersive, more accessible, multi-sensory works that foster empathy, joy, and connection with neurodivergent minds.
Current & Upcoming Events
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Making Their Mark: Tapping a New Wave of Women Artists
MAP Gallery 3840
3840 Washington Ave
St. Louis, MO 63108
Opening Reception:
Saturday, March 8, 2025 | 5pm-8pm
Gallery Open 9am-4pm Weekdays
Show Runs Through April 8th, 2025
This show celebrates womxn artists and the womxn they mentor is happening in honor of Women’s History Month, opening on International Women's Day on Saturday, March 8, 2025 and runs through April 8th.It’s being organized by the fabulous Ruth Reese, and I am grateful to have been invited by a dear mentor of mine, Julie Malone.
MAP Gallery 3840 is located in the Grand Arts District at 3840 Washington Avenue, a half-block West of Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis.
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Alton Art Expo
Milton Schoolhouse
1320 Milton Road, Alton, IL
March 29th Noon-7pm and
March 30th from Noon-5pm
More info hereFind Me at Alton Art Expo 2024!
I’ll be showcasing my work at the Alton Art Expo at Milton Schoolhouse!
This art fair brings together incredible local artists, and I’ll have a booth filled with prints, stickers, conceptual pieces, interactive, tactile pieces and dopamine decor. Come say hi, explore some art you can touch, and support local creatives!
Read more about this great event…
St. Louis Magazine Article: https://www.stlmag.com/health/new-alton-art-expo-behavioral-health/
RiverBender Article:
https://www.riversandroutes.com/events/alton-art-expo-2025/ -
Impulsive Indulgences
I Need That Art Gallery
inside The Designing Block
7735 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
Show re-opens April 12th and runs Saturdays Noon-6PM through May 31st, 2025“Impulsive Indulgences” is a show featuring nine interactive, multi-sensory works that explore self-acceptance and understanding of ADHD experiences.
Expect to see, touch, and taste the art.
This venue has major accessibility challenges for guests with mobility issues, including stairs.
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Spring - Queeny Art Fair
Queeny Park
Greensfelder Rec Center
April 4-6, 2025
Friday, April 4 – 5 PM-9 PM
Saturday, April 5 – 10 AM-6 PM
Sunday, April 6 – 11 AM-4 PMTickets:
$8 online (advance purchase)
$10 at the door
Students 18 & under: FREETicket covers entry for all days!
Free & accessible parkingI’ll have a booth at Queeny Art Fair with my interactive, tactile art and dopamine decor—art that’s made to be felt as much as seen. Come explore unique, touchable pieces and support local artists!
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Attention Disco
Saint Louis Public Library
Central Branch
1301 Olive Street
Carnegie Room (Third Floor)
June 2025This collection of six immersive installations invites guests to fully experience multiple facets of what it’s like to live with ADHD.
Expect to see, hear, and, touch the art.
Saint Louis Public Library - Central Branch
1301 Olive St, St. Louis, MO 63103This show is completely accessible and inclusive.
Thank You For Your Support!
Susan Block
The Designing Block
Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis
I Need That Art
Saint Louis Art Museum
Lynn Cook
Pathways To Independence
Jodi Woessner
The Bowen Family
Piper Hutson
Tim Meehan
Matt Clemetson/Nokkensound
Nikki Zavradinos
Dana Watkins-Mullins
Betty Vatterott
Sarah Pickerell
Jennifer Grotpeter
Matt Lynch
