Author: Naomi

Art is what makes us human. The arts brings people together. It brings us hope, love and light.

The people took over Lake Shore Drive last night here in Chicago in the name of Michael Brown. They woke those in motion just moving along on their routine commute. Some were bothered but I know others were moved. You are not human if you are not moved when you see people around you standing up for what is right, for justice.

Tomorrow Quennect 4 Gallery & Pachanka Music have put together a show called “Rebels Never Die: Resistencia Cultural”. I’ll be exhibiting a new painting inspired by a young girl’s right to education. So many young girls worldwide are denied this right because of socio economic status, gender stereotypes and religious customs or traditions.

REBELS NEVER DIE // Q4/multikulti
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
1000 N. Milwaukee 8pm – 3am

“We honor our indigenous roots, unique cultures and resistance movements through art, music and community dialogue revolving around shared anti-colonial values to create a space for dialogue with the urban, native and affected community.”

Dia de los Muertos festivities begin this weekend! The souls of our ancestors and other loved ones that have passed on return to visit and walk among the living. We create beautiful altars with ofrendas of all their favorite foods, drinks and treats for them to enjoy and to let them know we have not forgotten them.

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The 4th Annual Beautiful Souls Coffin Show  has quickly become a Chicago artist tradition. All thanks to Delilah Salgado, curator, artist, mentor, and long time advocate for the arts in the Pilsen community. You must come out and see this wonderful show she has put together and the works of art on these coffins will impress!

Opening Reception: Saturday, November 1, 2014 @ 7:00 PM at Cultura in Pilsen, 1900 S. Carpenter, Chicago, IL.

Elevarte Community Studio  is also holding their Annual Muertos de la Risa celebration and Dia de los Muertos procession. They are located right around the corner from where the coffin show exhibition will take place. There is fun for the whole family starting at 2:00 pm and the always stellar Dia de los Muertos procession begins at 5:00 pm!

End your evening with coffin art and DJ beats at the Beautiful Souls Coffin Show! See you there friends.

 

 

This weekend is the 12th Annual Pilsen Open Studios and there is much art to see and events to check out. My very first art exhibition was during Pilsen Open Studios in 2005!

Oct. 18th (12-9pm) & Oct. 19th (12-6pm): Mujeres Mutantes will be at Sip n’ Splash and are #17 on the map!  We are exhibiting work that includes paintings, mosaic, mixed media art, and jewelry. 

Mutantes Zine (Vol. 1) will be available for $5.00 and will fund future zines and public art projects by Mujeres Mutantes.

Splash Wall 2014, Little Village, Chicago, Illinois

Top left to right: Zena, Phina, Bel2, Stef. Bottom: Monstrochika, Beloved

 

 

Small works…

The Coaster Show at Cobalt Studio opening on June 13th will be lots of fun! It is my second time participating and it is so cool to see what all the artists come up with for their coaster designs. Opens June 13 and runs through July 13.

June is always a joyous time for me as it is my birthday month!

I also need to post here that one of the greatest wordsmiths of our time Maya Angelou passed away on May 28, 2014.

When I learned about you as a young girl I was never the same.

“Nothing can dim the light which shines from within.”

Thank you.

 

 

Hello again! Above is my latest little sculpted monster straight city chillin’. He is now at Elevarte Community Studio in Pilsen waiting for his new home!

This little guy will be part of a silent auction this Thursday, May 29th at Elevarte’s 3rd Annual Art As Our First Language Fundraiser.

There will be many wonderful items from local artists and businesses in this auction so go purchase your ticket to support this amazing organization!

Visit their site at Elevartestudio.org. What else do you see in the picture above? SUNSHINE!

I am off to continue enjoying the beautiful weather that has arrived in Chicago while it lasts. Until next time friends. Peace!