Visual Artist, Capoeira Teacher and professional Musician

Art
Tony Paraná is a self-taught artist from the state of Bahia, Brazil. Located in the northeastern region of the country, Bahia is a state known for its rich colors, flavorful foods, beautiful landscapes, eclectic music and unique Afro-Brazilian traditions. Many of these components are portrayed in Paraná's work as he captures subject matter ranging from community life to local architecture, all having warmth and vibrant movement.

Paraná works primarily in oil painting, mixed media, sculptures and mosaics. His work has been exhibited in São Paulo-Brazil, Los Angeles-CA, Albuquerque-NM, New York City-NY, Paris-France and in his current home, Houston-TX. His private collection has traveled across the country and internationally to places mentioned above as well as to Helsinki-Finland and Miami-FL.

Paraná has been actively involved in the Houston arts community since his arrival to the city in 2007. He hosted the first Montrose Art Soirée in 2010 with the mission of supporting local emerging artists. The success of the Art Soirée led him to found the Montrose Art Society in 2010 were he has been working since. He curated art events featuring spoken word poets, artist talks, live music performances and critique sessions, including one held at the HAA Gallery in 2011. Tony has also collaborated with many local organizations such as War' House for their Annual Invitational Art Show in 2010, Caroline Collective in 2011 for the Portrait Session exhibition, Houston Community College Northline for the Hispanic Heritage in 2011 & 2012, Nature's Market for a collaborative exhibition in 2011, Fresh Arts for The Candy Shop art show in 2011, Cultured Cocktails from 2012-2015 and Spring Street Studios where he currently has his space and regularly hosts events.