ROOTS/RAICES
September 15, 2020 - October 15, 2020
This exhibit, guest curated by Ashley Zurc Pereira, celebrated the diversity of the Latinx community. Programming for this exhibit included; a virtual interview and performance by Springfield Poet Laureate Magdalena Gómez, an virtual discussion with the artists Hosted by Bay Path University Women's Leadership Conference, Bay Path University and Strategic Alliances at Bay Path University, live performances by Maria Del Carmen Rodriguez-Furlow (Executive Director/Producer and host of GyrlSense Talk Show) and Aimee Gelinas (Drummer, Singer, Co-founder of Gaia Roots and Trio Candela), as well as an additional exhibit Valley Photo Center, photography inspired by Black Lives Matter by Richard W. Bulda. Take a virtual tour of the exhibit below or by clicking this link.
FEATURED ARTISTS:
Elizabeth Baez is a visual artist from Puerto Rico, currently living in Florida and her paintings capture tropical scenes of Puerto Rico, the Caribbean and tell visual stories of the Latinx culture. Her Ritmo Boricua, is a visual representation of a Bomba performance to be held at the gallery.
Alexx Diaz, is a local mixed media and sculpture artist and her brightly colored and whimsical Vejigante masks will be on display. The masks, which are called Caretas, represent a Puerto Rican folkloric tradition with African and Taino influence.
Raymond Escribano is a painter and muralist from Puerto Rico and is currently living in Springfield. Through his art he seeks to vividly illustrate traditional and/or contemporary cultural expressions in the Puerto Rican community. His piece, Boricua Pride, features three contemporary and diverse Puerto Rican women wearing their pride.
Ellis Echevarria is a fine artist from Hartford County known for using digital media in his art. He credits his upbringing and Afro-Latinx background as the inspiration behind his work. His controversial piece, “Arien” or “Pick Beans” will be featured and is meant to encourage dialogue and reflection regarding the popular Latinx brand, Goya.
Jason Montgomery is a Chicano/Indigenous Californian writer, painter, and playwright based in Easthampton. He states “The BLM movement represents a revolutionary moment in this process where power is being claimed and exchanged. My work for this show seeks to explore the reclaimed and guided cultural synthesis intrinsic to decolonization.”
Richard Bulda, a street photographer, will be showcasing his latest work to compliment the exhibit. His new work is influenced by the Black Lives Matters Movement. His photography captures scenes with their own visual stories and gives viewers the opportunity to reflect, react and/or resonate with the images.
Performances by Magdalena Gómez and Maria Furlow.