Platt College-San Diego School of Digital Media Design student and alumni artists Bianca Reyes, Jonelle Crowder, and Keelie Occhino all contributed personal styles of art to “La Vida De Colores.” The show is part of the Spring Valley Library’s 10th Annual Fiesta that celebrates Latino Heritage Month.
“We partnered with Platt College before,” said library Branch Manager Charlotte King-Mills, “They have curated a number of shows for us. Their student artists are talented and expressive.”
Platt College-San Diego School of Digital Media Design student and alumni artists Bianca Reyes, Jonelle Crowder, and Keelie Occhino all contributed personal styles of art to “La Vida De Colores.” The show is part of the Spring Valley Library’s 10th Annual Fiesta that celebrates Latino Heritage Month.
“We partnered with Platt College before,” said library Branch Manager Charlotte King-Mills, “They have curated a number of shows for us. Their student artists are talented and expressive.”
Bianca Reyes co-curated the show with Platt College’s head librarian and writing instructor Nicole Lewis. La Vida De Colores showcased a number of students and contained 18 pieces displayed on the library’s walls.
Above the framed and unframed pieces were Latin and Latin-American artists, singers, scholars, and note-worthy individuals displayed with their name, life span, and contributions on placards. Highlighted were singer Juan Gabriel, Olympian Laurie Hernandez, actress America Ferrera, and many others.
Historical figures such as Frida Kahlo, folkloric dancers, and many creative ideas bubbled up in their digital art or acrylic on canvas that represented what the students wished to emphasis in their art to honor and respect Latin heritage. The project was first introduced to the students in the summer.
Reyes’ art entitled “Maria Bonita” that she described “As very cartoony. I gave it a cultural Mexican look. I added flowers and braids.” She hand drew the figure and used the computer to produce the final product. Reyes’ interest in art goes back to her middle school years.
Jonelle Crowder, 19, also hand sketched the basic outline of her “Selena” digital art piece and used the computer software Illustrated to produce a picture of the singer Selena. Crowder also contributed an “Esperanza Rising” book cover based on a well-known book by Pam Munoz-Ryan. Jonelle’s father, John Crowder who was on hand to photograph his daughter’s work, said “She inspired me with her artistic talents.”
Keelie Occhino, 23, depicted Columbian urban artist Chato Presidente in her art. She said it “asks artists—which way are you going to go? Are you going to make money?” Occhino’s art alone will introduce many to who Chato Presidente is as an artist.
The youthful artists all created a show that not only advertised their artistic abilities but also will display to the library’s visitors the depth of Latin contributions to our society. Platt College has gone on record as celebrating the diversity and cultural richness of both our region and student body as a core value.
Fiesta is on Sept. 24, 1-4 p.m. and the event is free. The artists will be in attendance at the Fiesta. La Vida De Colores runs to Nov. 2.
