La Peña will be presenting "Defining David de Lara", an exhibition of mixed media and acrylic paintings by emerging artist David de Lara during July at La Peña Gallery. The exhibit runs from July 1st thru August 1st with an opening reception on Friday, July 8th from 6 - 8 pm.

David de Lara is an Austin based artist whose brash, unique approach and unmistakable style have already made people take notice. Born in Corpus Christi, Texas and raised in the rural countryside of South Texas, he was always a creative one as a child. He decided to study art in college when nothing else interested him. It was at Texas A&M University - Kingsville that David studied under teachers such as renowned Chicana artist Santa Barraza. After taking a break half-way through college, he became reinvigorated after being exposed to a larger creative and artistic world and began to develop his ideology of art - both in general and for himself. After receiving his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in May 2003, he moved to Austin to expand his horizons in life and his art.

David's work centers around stylized portraits and figurative work of women. People often ask who the girls he depicts are in his drawings and paintings. They're no one in particular. He's always used them as a way to express what's happening to him, how he's feeling, or what he's thinking at the time. His girls often say what cannot be put into words. He likes to think people share an imaginary bond. People have common thoughts, feelings, and similar experiences throughout life. Although we are all separate beings, these ties are what help bring us closer together. It's through his artwork and the exploration of the human condition that David hopes people are able to relate to him and maybe even see something within themselves.