Live Painting for the Opening of PS109 Artspace

Live Painting for the Opening of PS109 Artspace

On September 26th, PS109 Artspace opened their doors to the public for the first time. The former school was converted to a gallery space and affordable living space for artists of different disciplines with a commitment to the neighborhood of el barrio. The grand opening featured open studios for all of its residents, along with an exhibition in the gallery space and live painting and performances in its outdoor areas.

The weather was bright and sunny, as I painted with 5 artists on the front lawn. Our live painting was the idea of PS109 resident Gia Gutierrez. We represented her monthly curated live painting event called El Barrio Pinta  which takes place at the local bar Camaradas, affectionately nicknamed the Puerto Rican Cheers.

Throughout the open house, there was live music, poetry, dancing and performances that represented various cultures in support of the new arts hub.

And here is an end of day shot of our paintings. From left to right are the works of Nelson Host Santiago, Yazmeen Collazo, Ralph Serrano, Murj Holmes, Nia Andino and Jay Cashedinn.

~ Nia Andino ~

Photography by: Carlos David

Painting Live for Frida al Fresco at the Botanical Garden

Painting Live for Frida al Fresco at the Botanical Garden

I was invited to participate in a series that allowed artists to paint to the backdrop of the Casa Azul recreation installed at the New York Botanical Gardens this summer.  Raymond Vargas is the mastermind (and photographer) behind bringing more arts into the programs at the New York Botanical Garden. His vision for this art series, titled Frida al Fresco evenings, brought several female artists to paint live with the imagery of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera's Mexican home recreated in the Bronx.

Each artist also participated in a photo shoot with Raymond letting our inner Frida out in front of a camera. The artist I was paired with that day was Lexi Bella. 

Unfortunately, it was raining the day we were scheduled. We painted indoors but still manged to get a few good shots in the garden and a private tour of Frida's paintings on display.

We are hoping to have a group show of all the artists that painted live for this in 2016. So stay tuned for details for the daughters of Frida.

~ Nia Andino ~

Photography by: Raymond Vargas