Puerto Rican Artists “La Diaspora” in a group exhibition at The Appleton Museum of Art

Pedro Brull, “El pajuil llegó a la sala (The Cashew Made Its Way to the Living Room),” 

2017, Oil on canvas, 36 x 48 in.

OCALA, Fla.  — The Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida, will open “La Diaspora: Keepers of Heritage,” an exhibition of paintings, prints, sculptures and mixed media by members of the Puerto Rican Arts Diaspora Orlando. As an artist collective located in Central Florida, P.R.A.D.O. supports artists who represent Puerto Rico through their artwork.

On view Sept. 15, 2018-Jan. 20, 2019, “La Diaspora” showcases 12 Puerto Rican artists from different generations who have had diverse diasporic experiences throughout their careers. Their styles embrace influences of cubism, abstract expressionism, constructivism, realism and surrealism. These artistic movements reveal themselves through the unique contact with other cultures and the study of art history, and express their educational and creative processes. The exhibition pays homage to master artist Domingo García-Dávila, who was involved in the migration process of Puerto Ricans to the United States in the 1940s.

“La Diaspora” is a traveling exhibition organized by P.R.A.D.O. and curated by Yasir Nieves. This exhibition is sponsored in part by American Family Medical; Radiology Associates of Ocala, P.A.; Dr. Jose Gaudier Neurology; and Dr. Rafael Rosa, Nutrametrix.

Carmelo Fontanez, “Luz de tarde (Evening Light),” 2011, Acrylic on canvas, 36 x 48 in.

Exhibition Events:

Opening Reception and Panel Discussion

Friday, Sept. 14, 6-8 p.m.

Celebrate the exhibition opening with small bites and beverages. Panel discussion begins at 7 p.m. with artists Pedro Brull, José Feliciano, Felipe Morales, Yasir Nieves, María Ramos, Ángel Rivera-Morales, Carmen Rojas-Ginés, and moderated by Dr. Rafael Rosa. Free and open to the public.

First Saturday Family Art Activity (Ages 4+)

Saturday, Oct. 6, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Led by Carmen Rojas-Ginés, join us for this family program to make a mobile sculpture. Free for all children and Appleton members; included with museum admission fee for adult non members.

P.R.A.D.O. on the Patio: A Celebration of the Arts

Friday, Nov. 9, 6-9 p.m.

This ticketed, special event celebrates Puerto Rico and the arts, including food, live music and dance. Ticket includes a traditional Puerto Rican pork and rice plate and a soft drink;

cash bar available. $20 for Appleton members; $25 for nonmembers. Details TBA at AppletonMuseum.org.

Martín García-Rivera, “Fuera de alcance (Out of Reach),” 2014, 

Burin engraving on paper, 12 x 19 in.

Visiting Artist Workshops

Linoleum Printmaking Workshop (Ages 14+)

Saturday, Sept. 15, 1-4 p.m.

Led by master artist Martin García-Rivera, watch a demonstration of the printmaking process, then draw and carve an image on linoleum, ink the carved linoleum and run it through the printing press. All materials are included. $50 for Appleton members; $75 for nonmembers.

Figurative Painting Workshop (Ages 14+)

Thursday, Oct. 11, 1-4 p.m.

Led by artist Pedro Brull, participants will examine how light impacts objects, then create their own depiction using fragments of color while still maintaining the integrity of the object in a surreal-abstract acrylic painting. All materials are included. $50 for Appleton members; $75 for nonmembers.

Carmen Rojas-Ginés, “Stellar Dance (Danza estelar),” 2016, 

Steel sculpture, 20 x 28 x 41 in.

Mobile Sculpture Workshop (Ages 14+)

Saturday, Jan. 19, 1-3 p.m.

Led by artist Carmen Rojas-Ginés, this workshop will introduce students to basic model making using tools and malleable material. All materials are included. $40 for Appleton members; $60 for nonmembers.

Ángel Rivera-Morales, “Destierro (Exile),” 2017, Acrylic and oil on canvas, 48 x 52 in.

To register for a workshop, visit AppletonMuseum.org or contact Hollis Mutch, mutchh@cf.edu, or 352-291-4455, ext. 1613.

Owned and operated by the College of Central Florida, the Appleton Museum of Art is located at 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, east of downtown on SR 40 (exit 352 east off I-75 or exit 268 west off I-95). Parking is free. For more information, call 352-291-4455 or visit AppletonMuseum.org.