Las Gallas in Juarez, Mexico

The United States Embassy selected galla Michelle Ortiz for the second time to conduct a series of workshops on urban art and recovery of public spaces, this time in Juarez, Mexico. During this two week residency, she conducted four intense community building workshops with local artists and community leaders. Fellow galla Julia Lopez conducted writing workshops that informed the content of the collaborative mural design.

From grafitti artists to grandmothers, a total of 80 participants worked diligently in creating the collaborative 17'x180' mural which depicts the themes of destruction, renovation, violence, change, power, unity, liberty and future. The mural entitled "El Nuevo Camino, La Alianza de Fe, Amor y Paz" stands as a testimony that in the midst of destruction and violence the people of Juarez are committed to creating social change through the arts. To view the more images of the mural click here.

Preparing for PHILAGRAFIKA 2010

From pronto plates to fabric dying with printmaker Wendy Osterweil, Las Gallas are hard at work preparing for our exhibition at Taller Puertorriqueño in April during the PHILAGRAFIKA 2010 International Print Festival. Check out our work in process and stay tuned for more details regarding workshops with the community.