RI Latinx Artists Network (RILAN)

Meet Ups | A place for creative exchange

Artists MeetUps are held in Central Falls and are informal gatherings for creative exchange and networking. Artists of all genres welcome. No registration required to attend these gatherings.

Invited Artists | ¡Sí Se Puede • January - March 2025

There is NO MEETUP in February

Next MeetUp
Thu. March 13, 2025
| 5:30-7pm

La Galería del Pueblo
209 Central St. | Central Falls, RI 02863

This art exhibition includes posters that celebrate the powerful theme of ¡Sí Se Puede! — "Yes, We Can!" This theme emphasizes resilience, empowerment, and collective action, capturing the spirit of hope and perseverance.

Gallery hours are by appointment only: lagaleria@rilatinoarts.org.
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➤ Valeria Ramírez Ensastiga
In Western societies today, breastfeeding in public is often stigmatized and socially criticized. However, babies have both a physiological and emotional need to be nourished by their mother's breast. This poster conveys a message from the baby, urging us to respect the significance of this special bond. It also reminds mothers of their strength to assert this right confidently, without shame, while embracing a fulfilling life.
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➤ Ashley Cocco
En este arte, Para mi versión de Si Se Puede me inspire en la vida del águila y en el proceso de renovación que esta, en un determinado tiempo decide hacer para prolongar sus años de vida.

Como ejemplo de que sí se puede cambiar y sí podemos transformarnos para vivir mejor.

………………..

For my version of Sí Se Puede I was inspired by the life of the eagle and the process of renewal that it decides to undergo over a certain period of time to prolong its life.

As an example that we can change and we can transform ourselves to live better.

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➤ Jacki Estrada
My concept of Sí Se Puede takes a feminist approach to challenge traditional gender roles and highlight the skill and determination of women in society. By representing boxing, my piece showcases that girls can not only enter male-dominated spaces but also excel in them. Focusing on a young girl with boxing gloves, I aim to tell a story that inspires and empowers other girls and women, showing them that Sí Se Puede hacer lo qua quieres.
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➤ Matthew "Spirit" Hill
On this canvas alive with deep purples and vibrant oranges, a figure takes shape—a warrior whose unwavering gaze confronts the world head-on.

Bold arrows pierce through her mind, pointing forward to symbolize relentless momentum and the pursuit of dreams.

Across the artwork, the words Sí Se Puede—"Yes, We Can"—stand proudly, both as a personal mantra and a collective call to action.

In these uncertain and turbulent times, this piece reminds us of the power within, serving as a beacon of resilience and a rallying cry for strength.
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➤ René Gómez
For my entry of Sí Se Puede artist call I was inspired by Marta Martinez and her unending resilience to uplift the Latino community. She is a woman with no borders, growing up in El Paso, Texas, of Mexican descent, guided by the unwavering presence of La Virgencita de Guadalupe. From an early age, she harbored a strong desire to explore the world and experience life beyond her roots.

I often jokingly refer to Marta as an honorary Dominican due to her deep appreciation for the culture and cuisine. She is a person who every fellow artist should get to know.

Marta has become a highly accomplished individual who has touched the lives of so many along the way. Get to know Marta Martínez—one of the most influential and important Latinas in Rhode Island, a true example of Sí Se Puede, and undoubtedly one of the most remarkable women you will ever meet and one badass "Chingona" of a woman.
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➤ María Payano
La Muñeca Sin Rostro ( the faceless doll) was my inspiration to this artist call.

This doll represents the mixed blend of culture that Dominicans are, Taino, European and African roots. She was created to celebrate the beautiful blended cultures that makes us each unique and no doll is exactly like another. I identify with her, the dream of being a created and breaking boundaries from generation to generations. Si Se Puede!
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➤ Pablo Youngs
My painting is a graphic design inspired piece done in spray paint on a wood panel. The symbol of death being fended off can be interpreted in many ways, but in the simplest of explanations it represents resilience, strength, endurance in the face of adversity, power, and pride in one’s self.

All of these attributes have been historically attributed to Latino culture.
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➤ Julio Samayoa
Bartolomé de las Casas is not a heroic figure and should not be celebrated as one merely for showing compassion. His account of the atrocities in the colonies revealed the harsh realities of colonialism as they truly were. This painting captures his anguish as he reflects on the horrors he witnessed. De las Casas was not a hero but a man who chose to document the truth, ensuring that history would remember it.

To me, he is an example of Sí Se Puede — when you see something that is not right, you can speak out despite the consequences.
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209 Central St. | Central Falls, RI 02863
Gallery Hours: By appointment

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393 Broad St. | Providence, RI 02907

The Rhode Island Latino Artists Network is a RILA initiative where we seek to support, promote, and increase public awareness of the richness, beauty, and diversity of Latin American cultures and their roots. We do this by creating networking opportunities to stimulate artistic activities and cultural interaction among Latino artists. First Thursday MeetUps take place at La Galería del Pueblo, RILA's cultural hub in Central Falls and on the opening night as we change each exhibit at La Galería del Barrio | PVD, RILA's new urban gallery located in South Providence.
Visual prompt is to the three works of art posted below by Yolanda López which we will call, Los Retratos de Guadalupe.

Here's how it works: Write poetry or short prose (creative nonfiction, short fiction, personal essay or monologue). Research the artwork or artist and use what you discover to fuel your writing. You can also let the image alone provoke your imagination. Submissions may appear on our website. 500 words max! All writers welcome. Submit here
DEADLINE EXTENDED to August, 10, 2024.
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