May and June shows!

First of all, thank you everyone who came to the Afru Gallery to see the just-concluded View from Here show! It was great to come back to that space, previously known as the Launchpad Gallery, since the last time I showed in a group show (The Fear Show, 2010).

As if this isn't a big thing for me enough, I have two juried shows that I got in, that are coming up for May and June 2013! These will be the third and fourth shows of the year, after two full years of break from my artistic career.

The ¡Muros Abajo! show is a very timely as the U.S. Congress is slated to begin hearings and debates on the comprehensive immigration reform bill. As an artist and an immigrant rights activist, this show will be my first attempt at a political art, or an art-as-activism. It is presented by the Portland Central America Solidarity Committee (PCASC), one of the long-time organizers of the Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition (PARC) and a partner of the former Liberty Hall (aka Workers Educational Resources Center). It will open on the May First Friday.

The Portland Recycled Rain Project, opening June 1, is a brainchild of Sara Sjol. This challenge show is based on the idea of using collected local rainwater for various forms of art production.

Interestingly, all four of the shows I have had this year have been in Southeast Portland!