You can rely on two things occurring around this time each year. First, there’s that small hint of autumn that tempts us. The second is the yearly Cultura Tallahassee Exhibit.
This year, “Cultura Tallahassee: Los Colores de la Comunidad” was unveiled at the Leon County Main Library on September 20. The exhibition showcases pieces created using different techniques, emphasizing local Hispanic culture.
One creator, Zulay Romero, was keen to share her experiences and discuss her artistic endeavors. She took part in the exhibition last year, but her artwork this year was far more deliberate.
Approaching tasks in a unique way
“I wanted to creatively express my experience as a child of immigrants,” Romero said. Although her parents are from Colombia, the artist was born in Queens, New York. Her family relocated to a small town in North Carolina when she was just old enough to recall.
Three years ago, she ended up in Tallahassee, where her aunt was already residing. “I love Tallahassee,” she remarked. “It has that small-town atmosphere, but not overly so. I also enjoy all the natural beauty here.”
Regarded as an upcycling artist, Romero employs a variety of materials in her abstract style. “A few years back, I began focusing on this concept in my artwork,” Romero explained. “The idea is that we already possess everything we require. I gather numerous discarded items that I incorporate into my creations.”
The artwork Romero is showcasing at the Cultura exhibition is a painting featuring three-dimensional flowers made from discarded egg cartons. What one person considers waste, another transforms into a beautiful arrangement.
Since I was a child, I always sensed I was different from others,” she shared. “In my late twenties, I was identified as Neurodivergent. All of a sudden, everything made sense. I became determined to show those who believe someone like me is incapable of certain tasks that they’re wrong. We are capable of achieving anything we set our minds to; we just approach it in our own unique way.
When I was in high school, I had a teacher who was very strict. I would often come home upset because I thought she was really harsh. One day, she took me aside and said that she was tough on me because she recognized my potential. I was confused and asked, Why didn’t you just let me know?
The instructor assisted Romero in showcasing his work at his initial art exhibition.
Healing oneself to heal the generations
Following years of support from fellow educators, Romero eventually decided to study for a Studio Art Degree at Chowan University in Murfreesboro, North Carolina. Her commitment to her creative endeavors led her to earn a degree in Studio Art with a focus on Art Therapy. She further advanced her studies at Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, Virginia, obtaining two master’s degrees in Art Therapy and Counseling.
Art Therapy has existed for less than 60 years,” she stated. “When I completed my studies, I was ready to start working in Art Therapy or Mental Health Counseling. I obtained my full license in 2020.
As a counselor, Romero has provided services to the military, schools, Medicaid, and private clients. She focused on treating individuals with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and substance abuse issues at the Veterans Hospital in Hampton, Virginia.
I truly saw that Art Therapy is effective through my experiences,” she stated. “There’s scientific support for it, but it’s completely different when you’re face-to-face with someone. You witness the healing taking place through the creative process.
As someone who follows a faith, Romero’s spiritual convictions influence the artwork she produces. Both of her parents are ministers, and she grew up within the church community. She recalls engaging in lively discussions about religious topics with her parents and finding it challenging to grasp her own place in these conversations.
That’s precisely what my focus was for the Cultura Exhibit,” said Romero. “I heal so that I can heal those who came before me and those who will come after me.
The significance of color
One afternoon, she was taking a stroll in a nearby park when she discovered a book inside one of the small, free libraries. The book Romero came across was “The Alchemist.” She felt a strong connection to it and relied on it as a source of guidance. “It’s a very spiritual book,” she remarked. “It helped me believe that there is always someone guiding us, we just need to decide and recognize who that person is for us.”
Romero’s belief and inner guidance directed her to a supportive group at 621 Gallery in Railroad Square. “Tallahassee confirmed that being an artist is what I need to do,” she stated. “I must continue to nurture that.”
Romero’s work featured in the Cultura Tallahassee Exhibit is titled “If I Heal, We All Heal.” This piece is a collage representing different generations and reflects the artist’s background as a Hispanic immigrant. Alongside paint, she incorporated images of wild animals from various National Geographic magazines. “There’s a lioness that represents love and gentleness,” she explained. “And there’s a cub that stands for adventure and curiosity.”
The hues she chose hold deeper meaning. “Black represents generational trauma. Red stands for love and hope. The gold signifies progress.” The narrative of overcoming hardship and finding healing is a common one for numerous families and communities. It’s a journey that contemporary society might benefit from striving toward.
“We opt to maintain harmful patterns, or we decide to recover, forgive, and demonstrate compassion.” You can view Romero’s work atemberstudio.art, and on Instagram @emberstudio.
If you go
What: Cultura Tallahassee: The Colors of the Community
When: Through Oct. 8
Where:Leroy Collins Leon County Main Public Library, 200 W Park Ave.
Contact: 850-606-2665 | Library_Exhibitions@LeonCountyFL.gov; visit LeonCountyFL.gov
Tracy Horenbein contributes as a guest writer for The Council on Culture & Arts (COCA). Marking its 40th anniversary, COCA serves as the central organization for arts and culture in the capital region.tallahasseearts.org).
This piece first was published on Tallahassee Democrat:The empowering role of art is the lively theme of the artist’s ‘Cultura Tallahassee’ submission.
