Last night was the opening for the Celebrating Hispanic Heritage: Voices Through Visuals at Del Ray Artisans Gallery, show curated by the human tornado known as Laura Ramirez Drain!
The place was packed, with over 200 people being counted in over the 4 hours that I was there as the awards juror.
The curator did such an exceptional job in selecting the works, that it was immediately apparent that I was in for a very tough night in awarding the top three prizes and the four honorable mentions!
Frida Kahlo's iconic image was ever present as multiple artists interpreted her image, including powerful works by David Amoroso and Lian Sever.
Also liked the entries by Blanca Belisario, Evgenia Andreeva, Silvia Martinez, Amy Marx and many others!
Prizes awarded as follows:
First Prize: Gloria Valdez for her spectacular double self portrait.
Second Prize: Luis del Valle for Frida with Butterflies.
Third Prize: Paloma Vasquez for Drowning Quietly.
Honorable Mention: Leilani Checo for La Paleta de Fresa.
Honorable Mention: Kelly MacConomy for De Generacion en Generacion.
Honorable Mention: Betsy Jones for her tiny work Rosario and Alex: Secret Lovers.
Honorable Mention: Walter Gordon for La Llorona II.
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| First Prize winner Gloria Valdez |
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| Third Prize Winner Paloma Vasquez |
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| Frida with Butterflies by Luis del Valle |
