July 14-28, 2003
"Life" paintings by Nivia Gonzalez
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Nivia Gonzalez is on the most important Latina artists of her time. She lived and worked in many U.S. cities before settling in Austin in 2001. Nivia has exhibited her work in more than twenty cities and is the reciptient of many scholarships, honors, and awards. Her honors and awards include "Outstanding Acheivement in the Arts" awarded by the Mexican-American Women's National Association, Hispanic Magazine's "Woman of the Year", and induction into the Hispanic Women in Leadership Hall of Fame. Her artwork has appeared on book covers including "The House on Mango Street" by Sandra Cisneros, and "Daughters of the Fifth Sun: A Collection of Latina Fiction and Poetry". She designed the official poster for the 13th Annual U.S. Hispanic Leadership Conference, the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Caucus, and Avon's "Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month" advertisement. At the Nation Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. this spring, Nivia was part of a panel of women leaders at the conference "A Latina Celebration!", sponsored by the Smithsonian Center for Latino Initiatives and the National Hispana Leadership Institute.
La Peņa is pround to announce Nivia's upcoming solo exhibition "Life", opening at La Peņa Gallery June 14, 2003. Nivia is the current artist-in-residence at La Peņa where she provides artistic advice, adding strength and grace to the community. The spirituality inherent in Nivia's signature women, whether represented as ethereal being, maternal figure, or simple peasant, is the key to her universal appeal. Most often, Nivia's figures are shown with eyes downcast, which she says "represents their introspective and centered state of mind".
Original lithographs of Nivia's artwork are available for viewing at La Peña Gallery.