2021 Nature, Nurture, Hope Solo Exhibition by Rebecca Flores and Joshua Amado at the Atrium Gallery

Rhode Island State Council on the Arts presents "Nature, Nurture, Hope" Solo Exhibition by Rebecca Flores and Joshua Amado at the Atrium Gallery @ One Capitol Hill. An exhibition of artwork by Cranston-based painter Rebecca Flores called Nature, Nurture, Hope is on display at the Atrium Gallery, including artwork by Flores’ son Joshua Elijah Amado.

About the exhibit, Rebecca Flores said: “Nature, Nurture, Hope: A different kind of mental health was created by me in 2013, at my home studio in Cranston, in an effort to precipitate behavior that generates a dysfunctional amount of emotion and approach, as well as encourage a deeper understanding of learning some mental and emotional self-defense that can be very empowering. This can offer the mental and emotional fitness to allow people to function at levels they want to and are capable of. The exhibition includes contents and makeup that is part of the formula for feelings that is simply easy to learn tools that are important and should be employed in our daily lives. Tools that teach our young people and adults that things do go wrong in our life, that no matter what happens we should control our thoughts that affect our environment, the benefits of health, understand how it protects us, and to what extent we should get involved.”

Artist Statement: Rebecca Flores
Painting is my key to the secret of my spirit, my way of freedom, my communication feeling torn between two cultures. The images I create are a therapeutic process of artmaking revealing stories of spiritual truth with the movement of how my life has manifested into what I truly believe in as a second-generation Puerto Rican born in New York City. Change can exist through the arts in any shape or form. My art has helped me convey acceptance and acculturate the willing to raise awareness using methods creative to the eye that spells out and articulates in detail how the world is being Nuyorican; what is taking place and how we as a society still need further evidence of expression through the world of art genres in order to notice the significance of trust, hope, and belief. A balance surrounding my two worlds while being a Puertorriqueña.

Participating Artists: Rebecca Flores and Joshua Elijah Amado

Atrium Gallery at One Capitol Hill
Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA) developed the Atrium Gallery to recognize talented artists from communities throughout the state. The Atrium Gallery hosts multidisciplinary exhibitions in partnership with diverse artists and cultural organizations. The gallery features a stunning tall glass ceiling with light that cascades into an open space surrounded by three walls of artwork. This has become a destination point for visitors and the many people who frequent the Administration offices at One Capitol Hill, while enriching the environment for hundreds of state workers in the building.

Solo Exhibitions Program
The Atrium Gallery hosts solo exhibitions each year displaying an array of mediums that includes but is not limited to paintings, photography, textiles, and installation. The public gallery features emerging and established artists who are interested in exploring and showcasing their creative vision through an exceptional body of work. Selected artists are provided an installation preparatory specialist, promotional brochure or postcard, opening gallery reception, as well as being included in RISCA’s website and newsletter.

The Rhode Island State Council on the Arts is a state agency supported by appropriations from the Rhode Island General Assembly and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. RISCA provides grants, technical assistance and staff support to arts organizations and artists, schools, community centers, social service organizations and local governments to bring the arts into the lives of Rhode Islanders. To learn more visit www.arts.ri.gov