New York City’s East Village is set to welcome a vibrant new chapter in its creative legacy as AOTA NYC hosts its first Open Studio Meet & Greet Artist Reception on Thursday, March 13, from 5-9 PM at 98 E 4th Street. This immersive event invites art lovers to connect with an extraordinary lineup of Venezuelan and Nicaraguan-born artists, each bringing a distinct narrative to their work, deeply rooted in personal experiences, cultural identity, and storytelling.
Born near the Venezuela-Colombia border, Claudia Echeverria, known artistically as CLoD, translates her rich heritage and global travels into bold, evocative compositions. Inspired by the Wayuu tribe, her pieces resonate with themes of connection, resilience, and shared human emotions. After an extensive career in TV production and a transformative solo journey around the world, CLoD turned to painting professionally, making an immediate impact with a Best in Show award at her first juried exhibition. Her work has since been displayed across Miami and New York, with a solo exhibition at the Coral Springs Museum in Florida cementing her place as a formidable artistic voice.
For Gustavo Fernández, every face, every moment, and every fleeting interaction is a stroke in his artistic story. Born in Venezuela with Cuban roots, Fernández arrived in New York City in the midst of the pandemic to chase his lifelong dream of creating art in the Big Apple. His work captures the nuances of human connection—stories that intertwine, evoke empathy, and ultimately unite people through shared experience and universal emotions.
Internationally renowned Nicaraguan-born artist and poet Franck de las Mercedes has redefined contemporary art through his signature "Popstract Expressionism"—a fusion of abstract expressionism, pop art, and primal Nicaraguan influences. His compositions explode with vivid colors, angular linework, and layered textures, often reflecting childhood memories, familial themes, and socio-political commentary. Now based in Washington Heights, his latest collection of Popstract portraits is on view at AOTA NYC’s East Village Creative Space, offering an intimate look at his thought-provoking approach to storytelling through visual art.
More than just an exhibition, this event is a testament to AOTA NYC’s mission—a nonprofit community organization founded in 2020 by New York educators determined to elevate local artists while revitalizing neighborhoods. Through innovative initiatives like transforming empty storefronts into public art displays, AOTA NYC fosters accessibility and engagement, ensuring that art remains a powerful and inclusive force in urban spaces.
With a curated selection of works now on display at the East Village Creative Space, the Open Studio Meet & Greet offers guests an opportunity to experience these artists' worlds firsthand, engage in dialogue, and explore the intersection of art, identity, and social impact.