O’Hara Projects
Presentations + Interviews
"State of the Union" Series Featured on JaneUnchained
So happy to be included by the most excellent Jane UnChained!
The Arts for Animals: A Panel Discussion with Compassion Arts
On July 31, 2021, panel members spoke about their individual journeys as artists, vegans, and advocates, sharing how they came to use the arts as an instrument for raising awareness about animals and for creating positive change. Alfee West as the panel moderator, and I joined panelists Allison Argo, Michael Harren, Joanne Kong, and Donald Vincent (aka Mr. Hip).
You can see recording here. My segment is from 54:55 for 10 minutes and Q & A at the end.
Compassion Speaks: Women Artists for Animals
The Last Picture
Mejia Magic
Janell O’Rourke joined me in reflecting on animals in our artwork, and through the lens of other women in the visual arts, and the influence photographer and animal advocate Jo-Anne McArthur has with her powerful photography for animals.
Carolyn Merino-Mullin, The Animal Museum founder, gallery & exhibit curator, emceed this event.
Jo-Anne McArthur, the 2019 Compassion Arts’ Artists for Ahimsa honoree, was presented our award/painting The Last Picture.
Cyrus Mejia, visual artist, co-founder of Best Friends Animal Society and Ravens Heart Gallery, received the Ahimsa award painting Mejia Magic for 2020.
BARC
BARC Meeting - Spring 2019
I presented my artwork and story to BARC (Brown University Animal Rights Coalition ) at Brown University April 17, 2019. A curious and enthusiastic group who are taking on Brown University Alpert Medical School for their use of live pigs in medical testing. This informed and powerful group makes me hopeful for the future!
RESCUECON
So happy to join the first RESCUECON Feb 23+24, 2019 with my presentation Animals in Art presented by the Oxnard Performing Arts & Convention Center.
MIKEYPOD Interview
Listen to Jane's interview on MIKEYPOD.
Make sure to visit Michael Harren's website for his music, books, podcasts and videos!
The Last Pig 2018
Ellie Sarty, Jane with A New Dawn, and Allison Argo
I was honored to emcee the screening of The Last Pig at the Kendall Square Cinema in Boston. After the screening, Compassion Arts presented the first Compassion Arts Award—my painting, A New Dawn, inspired by the film—to Allison Argo, the director of the film.
Boston Veg Food Fest 2018
Presentation at the BVFF, with Ellie Sarty and Michael Harren
I was happy to present my artwork and story for the series You Art What You Eat at the Boston Veg Food Fest as part of the Compassion Arts Festival. Other presenters included composer and performer Michael Harren and poet, musician and performer Donald Vincent aka Mr. Hip.
A Conversation with Camille DeAngelis
View a conversation with Camille DeAngelis, author of A Bright Clean Mind: Veganism for Creative Transformation.
Talking Animals Radio Interview
Listen to Jane's interview on Talking Animals on NPR affiliate WMNF in Tampa, Florida.
Past Presentations
Compassion Arts and Culture & Animals Festival 2017
Saturday night October 21st, 2017 at the Leonard Nimoy Theatre at Symphony Space in NYC was a great time!
The fantastic musician Joy Askew and deeply moving poet Gretchen Primack joined me for my presentation Reflections on Beasts of Burden at the Compassion Arts and Culture & Animals Festival. I presented my artwork, and then the artwork of the 14 artists of Beasts of Burden with slides and video.
Highlights from Beasts of Burden Exhibit and Multimedia Presentation
PACE University
My slide presentation of artwork with musician Joy Askew and poet Gretchen Primack for Compassion Arts, Earth Month at PACE
April 13th 9am-10:30am
Pace University
Kessel Campus Center
Butcher Suite
861 Bedford Rd
Pleasantville, NY
Worcester Art Museum
Here I'm talking about my painting Nothin for You Here
Animals and Nature in Art
Presentation of my work October 21, 2015
Opening event for Compassion Arts Festival
Courage of Conscience Award
The Peace Abbey, an interfaith organization committed to the study and practice of nonviolence, honors individuals and organizations that have distinguished themselves through humanitarian causes and peace and social justice activism. The 2015 Peace Abbey Courage of Conscience Awards will be presented in Duxbury, MA this year. Awards were given in the areas of social activism, the environment, spirituality and the arts. The ceremony took place at the First Parish Church in Duxbury April 11, 2015.
“Jane O’Hara's painted screen Sacrifice, blends the plight of animals, mindless consumerism and Western religious thought as it attires its subjects with liturgical vestments adorned with corporate logos. The painting acts as a prism which poses the existential question of whether a visit to a fast-food restaurant or circus, or purchasing items tested on animals is tantamount to a betrayal of our most sacred, biblically rooted obligation to be good stewards of the Earth and all its creatures. O'Hara's Sacrifice upholds this unholy alliance as sacred by virtue of the questions it invariably asks. Sacrifice holds a unique place in the annals of thought-provoking, contemporary art.”