by Press Release | Aug 18, 2015
Papel Picado with a Modern Twist features the art of Beatriz Vasquez and will be on display in the Marian University Art Gallery in Marian Hall from August 21-October 1. Vasquez will host a workshop on papel picado on September 17, 12:30-3 p.m. (register by emailing jambroise@marian.edu), and a reception of the exhibit will be held September 13, 12-2 p.m. The workshop and the reception are free and open to the public.
Vasquez studied the indigenous crafts of Mexico, and focused her research on papel picado, the Mexican art of paper cutting. She learned the importance of connecting each cut, which she improvises without drawing onto the paper. Vasquez describes her imagery as deriving “from my childhood memories growing up Mexican American, with a constant awareness of keeping my culture in the forefront of my work. I began creating Papel Picado for myself as a self-renewal and preservation, however, my work is not my own any longer. I believe it speaks to a much bigger audience.”
Recently, Vasquez was awarded a Creative Renewal fellowship Grant by the Indianapolis Arts Council to continue pursuing this work. She has exhibited at the Indiana State Museum, The Indianapolis Columbia Club, Indianapolis Public Libraries, and The Harrison Center for the Arts, Indianapolis Art Center, the Eiteljorg Museum, where she participated as Artist in Residence, and in several galleries in Columbus and Dayton, Ohio. She has taken part in performing Papel Picado workshops through The Garfield Art Center and The Irvington Public Library, IndyParks and Indianapolis Public Schools. She had her first solo exhibition at the University of Central Florida in Orlando.
The Marian University Art Gallery is located on the west end of the second floor of Marian Hall. Gallery hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays, although appointments at later times are welcome. Please contact Gallery Director Jenny Ambroise atjambroise@marian.edu with any inquiries.