Patricia is originally from Monterrey, Mexico. She has been living in the U.S. since the year 2000. Her career as a visual artist has represented the colors of her country and the mythologic world of the Aztecs.
Since she was a child, Patricia felt a passion for the world of visual arts. She is responsible for sharing the stories behind Mexico in the abstract world. Wonderful stories are told through the use of colors and textiles.
This time, Patricia wanted to pay homage to the Aztecs and the importance of the Gods in the creation of the world.
Guests enjoying DIVINITY at Osceola Arts during the Opening Reception on March 5th, 2022. Photo by Jose Rodriguez Marmol
“I feel happy to see my exhibition here in Osceola Arts come to life. It is a result of working with love and passion. I have waited 2 years for this moment. Unfortunately, COVID-19 made us postpone the exhibition. Now, it is the perfect time to show guests the story behind the Aztecs, the creation of the world, and the Gods behind it,” said Patricia.
‘Divinity’ is an exquisite and elegant exhibition full of vibrant colors, textiles, and Patricia’s famous trees of life.
“I have always felt passionate about mythology. This exhibition is a result of my passion to tell the stories of my beloved Mexico and the importance of the Gods in our story,” said Patricia.
Tláloc’s Sun – Mixed Media 3D Installation by Patricia Cavazos Photo by Jose Rodriguez Marmol
For Betania Acosta, “all the art pieces that are part of this exhibition are beautiful. The story behind all the artwork is amazing. I learned new things about the Aztec world. Information I did not have before I came to see this exhibition.”
“The pieces shown in this exhibition were inspired by books about the Aztec culture and their mythology. The impact that this magnificent culture has on me. This is my depiction of that world,” said Cavazos.
Artist Patricia Cavazos (center) and guests during DIVINITY’s Opening Reception. Photo by Jose Rodriguez Marmol
Visiting this exhibition will bring you to a colorful world of Mexican history.
The ‘Unusual Frida‘ show came back to the City Beautiful after a long hiatus due to COVID-19 in 2021. This third annual show featured the vision of Frida in an ‘unusual’ way.
Raysa Molina, a local visual artist and the mastermind behind this show, created this event as an opportunity to represent the side of Frida that artists see in a way that is not common. This art show is the perfect representation that art is subjective, and it is in the eye of the beholder.
Guests and artists enjoyed a two-night show at Leu Gardens. The beauty of art, and color were the main protagonists. Jose Rodriguez Marmol for Artistic Spot
On November 8th, 2021 a total of 32 local visual artists were selected after a very successful call to artist with more than 100 entries from different cities in the State of Florida.
Marilyn Cortes-Lovato, Director of Visual Arts at Osceola Arts, was responsible for selecting the three winners of the juried show announced the night of Friday, January 14th.
Deliz Berrios and her art piece ‘Deeply Rooted’ won third place in the show. “By using elements from different Frida Kahlo paintings, those which spoke to my sensibilities, I have created an ode to my connection to Frida,” said Berrios.
‘Deeply Rooted’ – Acrylic on Canvas. Artist: Deliz Berrios – Third Place Photo by Jose Rodriguez Marmol
Local Artist Jenny Ramos and her vision of Frida ‘Diego y Yo,’ in pencil on Canvas was the winner of second place.
‘Diego y Yo’ – Pencil on Canvas – Original Art piece by Jenny Ramos – Second Place Photo by Jose Rodriguez Marmol
Venezuelan visual artist Ileana Miquilena won first place in the juried show with her piece ‘CosmograpFrida’ a beautiful art piece representing Frida Kahlo in her intimacy featuring a sublime representation of Diego Rivera watching on the back.
‘CosmograpFrida’ – Acrylic on Canvas – Original Art Piece by Ileana Miquilena – First Place Photo by Jose Rodriguez Marmol
The ‘Unusual Frida Juried Show‘ was elegant, eclectic, and showcased some of the best visual artists in town. This show promises to be one of the most important in the visual arts scene in Central Florida.
Central Florida artists are in constant growth. The stories they share are not told using the spoken word but from creating a world of colorful images that are part of a creative process that comes from a place deep within their hearts and souls.
The Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs in Orange County, Florida is in communication with local visual artists and non-profit organizations with information of new grant opportunities available to them through United Arts of Central Florida.
On December 7, 2021, Orange County’s Arts and Cultural Affairs Director Terry Olson informed that $1.5 million of Federal funds were approved for “revenue recovery” for nonprofit arts and culture organizations in Orange County for losses suffered because of COVID. United Arts of Central Florida will handle the management of $1 million. This amount will be divided proportionately among all the groups that apply. The Dr. Phillips Center will receive $500,000.
Although these amounts of money are only accessible to local artists if they have a non-profit organization, local groups promoting Arts and Culture are working to offer artists free seminars on grants and how to register non-profit organizations.
For Beatriz Andrekovich from CABETCAL, a local non-profit organization in charge of promoting arts and culture within the Latin community, this is a must. “We must help our artists. Local artists are constantly striving to make their ends meet. We are responsible for providing them with the necessary tools needed to have access to these grants. Together we can bring this information to more artists. It is a result of teamwork.”
Orange County Arts and Cultural Affairs Director Terry Olson poses with Beatriz Andrekovich during Fusion Fest at The Seneff Arts Plaza at the Dr Phillips Center for the Performing Arts on November 27, 2021. Photo Credit: Jose Rodriguez Marmol
“Our responsibility is not only providing them with platforms to exhibit their artwork, but they also need financial support. Local artists need to have access to the funds that are available to them thanks to the Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs of Orange County,” said Beatriz.
The local government keeps working hard to provide local artists with a platform to exhibit their wonderful world of colorful images, and at the same time providing them with the information they need to make their passion their source of income.
For more information on the grants that are available to local arts and culture organizations please visit United Arts of Central Florida.
In today’s world, there is a significant amount of people that are constantly striving to do what they feel most passionate about. Visual artists are among those people.
The Walt Disney World Resort has grown in the past 50 years, as well as other companies decided to create more options for visitors and locals. Universal Orlando Resort and Sea World Parks and Entertainment are other options for those who visit the County.
The theme park industry in Orange County, has made Central Florida have talented people that have dedicated their professional lives to entertain others as well as being able to bring entertainment for audiences worldwide. Visual arts play an important role in the world of storytelling.
The world of Visual Arts is a fantastic way of telling stories with the use of colors and paintbrushes. Orange County in Florida offers the world of Visual Arts and its artists a variety of events where they can showcase their artwork.
The County’s Arts and Cultural Affairs Office led by its Director of Arts and Cultural Affairs, Mr. Terry Olson has an Advisory Council. The Council is in charge of recommending the office of Tourism and Tax Revenue where to spend their budget that the county has for the arts and culture. At the same time, the Council has different committees that oversee promoting new ideas. One of these committees is the Sustainability Committee which mission is “to pursue and implement the long-term sustainability and resiliency of the arts community, and its place in the natural, built and human environment of Orange County,” said Theo Webster, Chair of the Sustainability Committee and Member of the Advisory Council.
Orange County, Florida – Arts Cultural Affairs Advisory Council
“One of our goals is to increase tourist awareness by promoting art and cultural offerings to hospitality industry and transit providers. We are also working on creating a unified, centralized marketing campaign for arts organizations,” said Theo.
While Orange County, Florida and the Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs make great efforts to ensure that the community has access to new opportunities, visual artists around the County share their experiences.
For local artist JJ Gonzalez Acosta “Orange County has done a great job offering us the opportunities to showcase our talents. Activities such as Fusion Fest, and platforms such as City Arts Gallery, offer great opportunities to have our art out there. However, being an artist requires not only time and dedication, but also requires money for materials and the constant expectations to have our art sold. We must rely on having full time jobs to make our ends meet. Unfortunately, art itself does not pay our bills.”
Ilia Torres and JJ Gonzalez Acosta during the Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration at the Orange County Administration Building
The County does offer grant opportunities for the arts and culture. United Arts of Central Florida is a Non-profit Organization in charge of reviewing and approving applications from local non-profit organizations. Their main goal is to distribute the money the County has to the organizations who qualify. However, these grants are only accessible by those who have a Non-Profit Organization.
For some artists, registering a non-profit not only takes time, but it also requires a certain level of knowledge of the process that most of them do not know. For some, this information is new, and they did not even know that the County does offer opportunities and resources. “I did not know that there were those options. I would love to have more information. I will certainly investigate more information on it. It is always good to feel that we are supported as a community by the local government,” said Sarahy Boraure local artist.
Sarahy Boraure at the Opening of the ‘Arte Mundial’ Gallery in Orlando, FL
The arts and the entertainment industry was the most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Greater Orlando Performing Arts Relief Fund, or ‘GOPAR’ was organized in 2020 to provide relief grants to individual arts workers of Central Florida affected by the pandemic.
“To date GOPAR has raised over $100,000 and assisted artists and arts workers covering mortgages, car payments, and medical bills, and perhaps just as critical, providing hope, reassurance and needed connectivity in the midst of debilitating isolation,” said RK Kelley, entertainment business executive, an advocate and board member in the community.
“We have an enormously talented arts community here in Central Florida and statewide. With stabilization and insightful support, we can help these artists and arts workers reach their potential, retain these talents in Orlando, and continue to enrich all our lives,” said RK.
Three reasons to support local visual artists
Orange County, Florida, is constantly growing. The growth provides opportunities to our talented community. COVID-19 cases significantly decreased. The County’s state of emergency expires this November. More activities are coming back to life. Fusion Fest, Art in the Chambers, and other important calls to artists are being sent to a database of approximately 2500 local visual artists. Allowing them to showcase their artwork to a bigger audience.
For Byron Walker, Director of Facilities at the Polasek Museum, “the county does a great job offering us visual artists opportunities to showcase our artwork. The opportunities are out there. Part of our job as visual artists is to apply, apply, and apply. It is our responsibility to put our name out there.”
It seems that the most difficult part for a visual artist is treating their talent, and the passion for storytelling, colors, and paintbrushes as a business.
Local Visual Artist and Director of Facilities of the Polasek Museum Byron Walker in Studio 153 at the Faith Arts Village Orlando
For visual artist Cheri Riechers, “I studied art in college. Art Festivals were not a thing. I decided to go into the computer industry. There came a time when I made some hand-painted fabrics, that lead to murals, and one day a local art dealer in Orange County said she wanted to see my artwork. I went to a gallery on Park Ave. in Winter Park and brought all my artwork with me. They loved it. They sold everything within two weeks. That was my first art lesson. I stayed with them for 18 years. I started painting in Café Tu Tu Tango on International Drive. The experience was amazing. I was invited out to Disney’s Festival of the Arts. After having a consulting company, I learned to treat my art as a business. It is a passion. It is storytelling but, it is a business.”
Local Visual Artist Cheri Riechers in her Studio at the Faith Arts Village Orlando.
Artistic Spot – Episode 106: Cheri Riechers
During the Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, Mexican visual artist and architect Patricia Cavazos said, “the most important thing for me is knowing all the talents of my fellow artists. I am happy that the city does these types of events. More than the economic part, it is just a platform to let my art be shown in different places, knowing me. It’s more like being supporting each other and showing the people around. For me is more to show that the Hispanic culture and what we have to offer. The economy part of it is good but is more about showing what we have and who we are.”
Local Visual Artist from Mexico, Patricia Cavazos, posing with her textile work and ‘Tree of Life’ at the Casselberry Art House
Visual arts can become a main source of income. Opportunities are out there. Visual Artists are encouraged to continue telling colorful stories while taking advantage of the outstanding job that Orange County, Florida is doing through the Arts and Cultural Affairs office to provide platforms to showcase art and stories.
Coca-Cola Zero Sugar – Now More Delicious decorating an art sculpture outside Byron Walker’s Studio at The Faith Arts Village Orlando. Photo Credit: Jose Rodriguez Marmol
For some visual artists at the Faith Arts Village, Coca-Cola is not only a thirst quencher. It is also a medium in the process of storytelling through the world of painting.
For the Director of Facilities at the Polasek Museum, Byron Walker, “everything is a medium when telling stories. From the cans to that small amount of liquid that is left after opening and drinking a Coke.”
A can of Coca-Cola before being used by Artist Byron Walker Photo Credit: Jose Rodriguez Marmol
For the Director of Facilities at the Polasek Museum, Byron Walker, “everything is a medium when telling stories. From the cans to that small amount of liquid that is left after opening and drinking a Coke.”
“Coca-Cola is more than a drink. There is a story. There is a brand that is recognized worldwide. As artists, we are responsible for telling new stories. I have used Coca-Cola to paint, especially to recreate landscapes. It all started one day that I ran out of brown. I could have mixed colors and created it on my own. Instead, I decided to use some of the Coca-Cola Zero that I was having at that specific moment. To my surprise, it added a beautiful color scheme to my canvas,” said Byron.
Jose Rodriguez Marmol and Byron Walker having a conversation about upcoming art pieces
Byron is currently working on his version of Vincent Van Gogh’s ‘Starry Night.’ “I am using approximately 100 cans of Coca-Cola that I have in my studio here at FAVO. I have cut them open and shaped them as stars. My version of Van Gogh’s ‘Starry Night’ will feature cans of Coca-Cola as stars. I am so excited to finish my mixed media masterpiece and share it with you all,” said Walker.
In the world of visual arts, everything is possible. Art is subjective, and it is in the eye of the beholder. The artist is free to use the media he feels most comfortable with using.
Fellow artists, now it is your turn to discover the new and ‘more delicious’ flavor that Coca-Cola Zero Sugar has. Its design and how you can use your favorite drink in your next masterpiece.
Coca – Cola Zero Sugar under the spotlight Photo Credit: Jose Rodriguez Marmol
For more information on Byron Walker’s upcoming Art with Coca-Cola visit his website http://www.bwalkerart.com/gallery.html. Stay tuned for more information and the release of his upcoming artwork.
The dream of local visual artist JJ Gonzalez Acosta became a reality with the opening of his studio on a colorful opening night on Friday, October 1st, during FAVO’s first Friday of every month Art Show. Studio 253 at FAVO – Faith Arts Village Orlando will now be the home to art classes and workshops for students of all ages.
‘JJ Art and Design Productions’ was founded by Gonzalez Acosta in 2018. “I am a visual artist. I was born in Valencia, Venezuela. Since the age of five, I have been playing with colors and paintbrushes. One of my goals coming to the U.S. five years ago was to teach art techniques and help others discover their artist within. I am very happy to have a space where people can come and enjoy the beauty of art,” said JJ.
It was a night of color, music, and dance. The opening of the Studio was full of happiness. Ilia Torres, assistant to Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings was among the special guests that were present in the event, “I am honored to be here tonight. JJ is a wonderful visual artist. We are honored to have him as part of our community. It is a pleasure to be here tonight and support him during this important milestone for his career and his small business.”
JJ Gonzalez Acosta during his opening speech on Friday, October 1st.
Before the ribbon cutting ceremony took place, Ilia Torres, gave JJ Art and Design Productions a ‘Congratulations Certificate’ signed by Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings.
Since the beginning, ‘JJ Art and Design Productions’ has hosted art classes and workshops for kids and adults.
The goal of the company is to help others discover their artist within. “We are all artists. In my career as a visual artist, I have seen people heal through art. I have seen students who never painted come out with beautiful masterpieces that tell their life stories. Art heals. Since the 19th century, art has helped people heal. I want this space to help others heal. I want my studio to make others feel they are real artists and that their stories can be told,” said Gonzalez Acosta.
Ilia Torres, JJ Gonzalez Acosta, Jose Rodriguez Marmol and Will Benton during the ribbon cutting ceremony.
Will Benton, Executive Director of FAVO, is happy to have JJ Art and Design Productions as part of this creative village. “We are proud to have JJ with us. He is very talented. We are blessed to have him as part of our creative community,” said Benton.
“I am so happy for the opening of my studio at FAVO. I am inviting you to come, and discover this amazing creative village,” said JJ.
The opening ceremony ended with a beautiful Venezuelan dance called ‘Merengue de Antaño’ by Antonieta Armas from ‘IslaDanza – Venezuela, Arte y Cultura’.
The Studio is officially open. Information on upcoming classes and workshops will be announced soon. For updated information on upcoming art classes that will help you heal and discover the artist within, follow JJ Art and Design Productions on Instagram, visit the company’s website, and sign up for the weekly newsletter.
Patricia Cavazos, a local visual artist, and architect from Mexico is part of Central Florida’s local visual artists. Patricia is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with several art pieces all around Central Florida.
Photo Courtesy: Patricia Cavazos
This talented Mexican artist has been painting and creating 3D art pieces since 1995. She moved to the U.S. in 2000 pursuing a new chapter in her life, and her profession. Life took her to Germany for three years in 2013. She came back to the United States in 2016. Since moving to the country in the year 2000, Patricia has been an active member of the artist community in Florida and Mexico.
Being able to showcase her artwork in Florida and Mexico is important for Patricia. Even though she is a professional in visual arts and architecture, Patricia is always in the pursuit of excellence. Learning new techniques from her fellow artists that are also members of the arts and culture community in the County has also been a highlight in her career.
She has been able to master her skills in the Crealde School of Arts. Adding new techniques to the artwork has been a must in her constant growth as an artist. Her art is a celebration of her heritage and the bright colors and culture of her country.
“I am honored to participate in these types of events. I think it is important for everybody to know and learn about the culture of every country in Latin America. For me, it is important to show a little bit of what I base my art. Culturally, it has a lot of background from Mexico. It is just nice for me to express and bring people over and help them learn more from Mexico,” said Patricia.
Artistic Spot – Special Edition with Patricia Cavazos
These activities around Central Florida help local artists to showcase their artwork. It is an opportunity to have a positive economic impact by selling their art pieces.
For Cavazos, “these events have an important economic impact for me. The more you expose your art, the more people will see it, the better chances you get that someone will purchase your artwork. However, these types of events are more about learning from my fellow artists, knowing each other, and learning from them. It is more enrichment for me.”
‘Naturaleza Muerta’ by Patricia Cavazos Textile Art Osceola Arts
In 2020, the celebration was virtual. Artists submitted their artwork in a call to artists, after being selected, they sent virtual videos explaining their artwork, and how they celebrated their heritage. Each week, a different artist was featured on social media. They received a signed certificate from Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings.
This year, the art exhibition has been named “Esperanza – A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage and Hope,” artists representing Argentina, Colombia, Cuba, El Salvador, Mexico, Puerto Rico, United States, and Venezuela have their paintings on the third floor of the Terminal A of the Orlando International Airport since September 01st. The exhibit will run until October 28th.
Featured artwork at The Orlando International Airport
After almost two years of overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic, this represents an opportunity for the artists that were selected to showcase their artwork.
Having their art pieces in public areas and exhibitions allow them the opportunity to have audiences fall in love with their art and receive offers, or maybe purchase one of their art pieces.
Artists tell stories through paintings and colors, and although art is subjective, it is their way of telling stories and sharing them with their audience. Selling is their goal.
Although selling is a hard task, artists in Central Florida must rely on other full-time jobs to make a living. Having these platforms help them to have other sources of income and get paid for what they feel passionate about.
Assistant to Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and Vice-Chair for the Hispanic Heritage Committee of Greater Orange County, Florida, Ilia Torres, Esq is very happy with the event outcome this year and feels proud of the talented artists that call Central Florida their home.
Ilia Torres, Esq during her visit to “Esperanza: A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage and Hope” at the Orlando International Airport
“Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15 – October 15, is an occasion not only to celebrate the history and contributions Hispanic Americans have made to the U.S., but also the perfect holiday celebration to promote our cultural richness and diversity. The Hispanic Heritage Committee is proud to be able to highlight the Hispanic culture by showcasing local visual artists from around Central Florida,” said Ilia Torres.
For more information on the events taking place to celebrate the Hispanic Heritage Month in Orange County, Florida, visit the Orange County Press Room.
Visual Artist JJ Gonzalez Acosta and Assistant to Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings Ilia Torres at Univision Orlando.
The world of Visual Arts has been among the most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Orange County, Florida has felt the backlashes in the arts and entertainment industry. Even though activities and exhibitions have been returning for good. Local artists are still struggling with the economic side effects of the pandemic.
The City of Orlando and Orange County are very supportive of the world of visual arts. However, for local artists is not easy to make a living from selling their art pieces. Most of the artists in town have their talent, and passion for painting as a full-time job that does not pay their bills as they would like, making them have “day-time” jobs to cover their living expenses, which is a must in today’s economy.
This situation is not strange to local artist JJ Gonzalez Acosta. JJ is originally from Valencia, Venezuela.
This local artist has been playing with acrylic paints and brushes since the age of five. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Arts Education and a master’s in educational management. Since the beginning of 2020, he has been part of the teaching staff at Central Florida Community Arts. His main goal as a professional has been teaching art to students of all ages with only one purpose, make them discover their artist within.
Visual Artist JJ Gonzalez Acosta
Orlando has been his home since the beginning of 2017. This Orange County local artist has been very fortunate to showcase his art and talent to the Central Florida Community and other states around the country.
Selling his art pieces has not been easy these days. JJ has relied on his talent as an art instructor and his experience as a teacher for 16 years to teach art techniques to others.
“Orange County is a great platform for local artists to showcase their talent. Orlando is a great city. It is still very young. Although selling my art piece has been hard these days, I am very lucky to have several exhibitions around the County where I can have my art along with other amazing, and talented artists that make this city unique, and special,” said JJ.
“As individual artists, we may not have access to grants from the local government, but they have wonderful opportunities to showcase what we do and show that to others. Those opportunities are out there,” said Gonzalez Acosta.
Although selling art seems hard these days, showcasing their artwork is important to them. Art is subjective, and it is in the eye of the beholder. Let’s support local artists.
Artistic Spot 