During August, Las Manitas will be hosting an exhibition of paintings by Ruben Medellin. "Mujeres Cortadas en Vidrio" (Women Cut into Glass) is a series of paintings that appear to be images of women in stained glass. The exhibit runs from August 4 th thru the 31 st with a reception on Friday, August 5 th from 6-8 pm.

Hailing from Victoria, Texas,   Ruben Medellin has been an activist in the Hispanic community for the past 18 years, and has been involved with elementary schools, the DARE program, the Boys and Girls Club, and other organizations in the area. Growing up in the projects and the bad side of town, his training grounds for art were tagging railroad cars with spray paint. He soon graduated to walls as his canvas. Sometimes influence plays a big part in one's life. One of his teachers was instrumental in changing his life. She not only changed it, she probably saved it. Today, as a role model, he tries to change lives with his art through presentations in schools. He tries to direct and redirect students towards a better way of life. Ruben is not trying to change the whole world, just a small part of it to make a difference.

This series of paintings is a tribute to the women who have come out of the darkness and into the light. What Ruben tries to convey in these paintings is a sense of tranquility and euphoric sense of peace. When he paints these stained glass women, he paints their very souls, love and passion. The colors and soothing tones react with each other to create a work of art. They say the "eyes are the windows to the soul." For us to embrace our souls, we need to honor women for who they are and embrace the beauty within their souls.