From “The Pompom House” to “Casa de las Flores”

Art, Power, Equity Partners with J. Walcher Communications for “Curator-in-Residence” Shows 

“Casa De Las Flores,” a Solo Exhibition by Mexican American Printmaker, Interdisciplinary Artist Kelvin Lopez

SAN DIEGO  – Art, Power, Equity (APE) – an arts-based enterprise that supports underrepresented artists and promotes equity, access and opportunity in the creative economy – and long-time public relations and marketing firm J. Walcher Communications (JWC) – have announced a series of three artist residencies this summer. This programming is the evolution of APE and JWC’s “Curator-in-Residence” partnership that began in 2021.

JWC’s historic offices in Sherman Heights will provide a dedicated exhibition space to showcase artwork by San Diego-based printmaker and interdisciplinary artist Kelvin Lopez, the second artist featured in the 2024 series. Known for merging the boundaries of printmaking, Mexican textiles and his relationship with the natural and metaphysical worlds, Lopez was selected by the first artist in the series, Katie Ruiz.

Lopez’s exhibition “Casa De Las Flores” opens with a reception and viewing on Saturday, July 13, 6-9 p.m, featuring a brief artist talk at 7 p.m. The show is open to the public every Saturday from 1-4 p.m. from July 13 through August 10, and during the week by appointment only.

Lopez’s exhibition features work consisting mostly of monotype and relief prints that are often hand embellished and resemble Mexican textiles. Kelvin creates what he calls contemporary “servilletas” (napkins) by adding embroidery and crochet borders onto his monotypes. This show will feature a range of monotype and relief installations as well as mixed media works featuring glass castings, grown crystals and live plants.

APE establishes relationships with Black, Indigenous and other People of Color (BIPOC) artists to develop projects and exhibitions that cultivate, promote and showcase those who meet at the intersections of under-representation, economic vulnerability and community development.

“The residency creates space to build new relationships, deepen our understanding of the amazing work in our region and share that journey with others,” said APE Founder and Curator Kamaal Martin. “The trust that JWC has shown in us and this process has been incredible, and I know our region would benefit greatly from more partnerships like this.”

Lopez teaches various methods of printmaking throughout San Diego County and works as a print studio technician at the Athenaeum Art Center. Lopez has a bachelor’s degree of fine art from California State University Long Beach and a Master’s degree of fine art with an emphasis in printmaking from the Rhode Island School of Design.

“As long-time art supporters and enthusiasts, we love having the opportunity to use our office to support artists and curators, especially underrepresented BIPOC artists,” said Jean Walcher, president and founder of JWC.

For the final residency in the 2024 series, Lopez has selected David Mont Virgen, a Mexican visual artist who resides and creates between the vibrant cities of Tijuana, Mexico and San Diego, California, transcending geographical boundaries.

For more information and reservations, please visit artpowerequity.com or call 619-373-2039.

About Art, Power, Equity (APE)

Art, Power, Equity (APE) is a socio-cultural enterprise that supports underrepresented artists, vulnerable communities and promotes equity, access and opportunity in the creative economy. As a platform for artistic and cultural activities and engagement with a focus on equitable community development; providing creative, community-based solutions that transform people, places, things and bridging gaps within the region’s creative economy and ecosystem.

Learn more at artpowerequity.com and follow on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

About J. Walcher Communications (JWC)

Celebrating 23 years in business this year, J. Walcher Communications represents an array of local, regional and national clients in industries including real estate development, nonprofits and associations, arts/culture, social justice, professional services and more. Services include media and community relations, social/digital media, branding and messaging, crisis communications, media training, and content creation. The company was named by Forbes as one of the “Best PR Agencies in 2021.” For more information, visit www.jwalcher.com or call 619-295-7140. Follow on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

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