Artistic Connections and Extensions of Culture,
by José Manuel Cruz
Triangle Community Artists Gallery in collaboration with Artist Studio Project invite you to join us for an evening reception at the Triangle Community Foundation office in Research Triangle Park with snacks / antojitos, beverages, and a conversation with the artist, José Manuel Cruz.
Thursday, December 01 2022
4:30 PM – 6:30 PM [EST]
800 Park Offices Drive, Suite 201, Research Triangle Park,
NC, 27709, United States
Registration is required.
Please click here to register for this event.
Artist Statement:
I believe that my work embodies my urban culture with a splash of reality and the opportunity for me to explore the canvas and the materials I use. My Artistic Connections and Extensions exhibit
allows me to explore those avenues and take it a step further in the freedoms I have to express myself as the artist that I AM.
I want to express the love I have for growing up in a (BrickCity) like Newark, NJ. The concrete jungle like some call it or a mini-NY City since it was just hop on a train or a 15-minute drive to NY City. I am able to paint and add my intricate details where I need without any judgements or critiques.
During this time of a pandemic and systemic racism I want my work to reflect that there are better times ahead. I want people to feel the joy and warmth in the colors I use and at the same time let the viewer connect with the piece and hopefully find something relative to their own experiences in life.
Meet the Artist
José Cruz is a Puerto Rican/Colombian Latino Artist. He has a unique style and loves working with color and all mediums. Mr. Cruz has been an Art Educator for over 20 years at all grade levels. He has been an advocate for the arts in education and enjoys bringing art to the communities and at the same time bring his experiences as a professional exhibiting artist and photographer back to the classroom.
Mr. Cruz graduated summa cum laude with a BA in Fine Arts in 1996 from New Jersey City University. In 1986 he started substitute teaching in the Newark Public Schools. It inspired him to pursue a career as an Art Educator.
For 38 years he has exhibited his works in the United States and abroad. His work embodies the true essence that comes from living and growing up in an urban area around family and friends that always look out for each other and cherished every Latin, every African American, every Urban, and every Ghetto experience.
Interested in making a purchase?
If you are interested in purchasing a piece from the artist, please view the full price list here.
Learn More about the Triangle Community Artists Gallery
This forms part of the 8th Annual El Quixote Festival – Voces – Voices Del Caribe.
