November 1-December 1, 2003
"Dia de los Muertos"
Opening Reception: Saturday, November 1, 2003, 6-8pm
La Peña presents its annual “Dia de los Muertos” (or Day of the Dead) exhibition. This year it features the artwork of several graduate students from Texas A&M University-Kingsville. These students are Eva G Mapp, Raymond Chaney, Felicia Goodman, Brenda Canalizales, JB Cantu, and Charlie Basaldu.
Eva G. Mapp is a native of South Texas. Her first lifetime consisted of marriage and children. Her second lifetime resulted from a disabling medical condition. Her life is focused around her children and her art. She paints feelings from deep within her heart and soul. A spiritual effect is intertwined into the landscapes and the abstractions she paints. Many of the viewers of her art share the same awe and wonder Eva feels when she paints. Becoming one with the canvas, the paints, and brushes is all the satisfaction she thrives for in this second lifetime.
Raymond Chaney is an African American who grew up in a small Texas bayside town. He first used art to entertain himself and soon found out that it was a part of his life and soul. Being from South Texas, his art is a mixture of cultures, not unlike himself. He takes the aspects of many cultures and combines them into a colorful and strong mixture of ideals. Raymond hopes his art is a representation of who he is as a person and that people get that message from the art.
Felicia Goodman was born and raised in South Texas. Her work has varied in styles throughout the years, but has recently focused on the empowerment of women. She believes the female figure is the most beautiful subject and wants to show reverence to it through her art. To do this, she uses strong color and many different textures to give a three-dimensional feel to her simplified subject matter.
These artists plus others have come together in remembrance and celebration for those who have gone onto the next life.