Harvesting, The Next Chapter
Art Exhibit at The District Theater, Indianapolis
The concept of harvesting has many interpretations across cultures. Harvesting can be a time of closure, culmination, and even accountability. But harvesting can also be a time for celebration, togetherness, regrowth, and reflection. Even though the interpretation can vary, some common themes include the idea of gathering or collecting something that has been nurtured and reached a mature/ripe stage. In a similar theme search, harvesting was often correlated to farming, migration, and food systems. Migration referring to movement and seasonality of either humans or species and food systems as a social determinant of health which addresses inequitable access to food.
This blend of ideas from collecting something that has been nurtured, its process from farm to table, and the concept of human mobility is what inspired this art series. Coincidently, my family and I immigrated to the U.S. in the early 90s and settled in the state of Indiana where my father worked on a farm for many years. Our own migration journey helped inspire these paintings. The fruits and crops depicted on these paintings go beyond the literal interpretation and move us into a state of reflection. This includes reflecting on food access, migration, resiliency, and hope for a new chapter.
Art Festivals
Cultural Celebrations
Cocina de Coco Art has participated at different cultural-art festivals throughout the Midwest including Frida Fest Milwaukee and the Day of the Dead Celebration at the Eiteljorg Museum in Indianapolis.
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It is an honor to collaborate and participate at various art festivals that focus on uplifting and celebrating diverse communities, cultures, and perspectives. The artwork presented at these events ranges from oil paintings, art prints, and mix-media pieces including Day of the Dead Catrinas made of paper maché.
Art Contributions
Donations and Fundraising
Since 2012, Cocina de Coco Art has donated original art pieces to different organizations in Chicago, Milwaukee, and Indianapolis. Most recently (2023) Cocina de Coco Art donated art pieces to an immigration justice clinic at the University of Wisconsin and a silent auction for the American Culinary Federation chapter in Indianapolis.
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Cocina de Coco Art is all about sharing a creative art space, applying a cultural lens to the arts, and supporting good causes that serve our underrepresented communities. If you are interested in collaborating with us, please reach out! (Participation varies based on artwork availability).