"Tierra Dentro" Artist Talk & Workshop Series

The Current is delighted to present a series of artist talks and workshops to complement "Tierra Dentro," Esperanza Cortés’ breathtaking show on view in our gallery. Through these workshops, participants will engage with the exhibition as active participants and students. Beginning with an artist talk and workshop led by Esperanza herself, each class will feature a different skill set used to create the artwork in Tierra Dentro. Join us for these phenomenal workshops and public events, March 23 through March 25.

March 23, 2023, 5:30pm: Artist Talk by Esperanza Cortés

Gather with us in our gallery space to hear exhibiting artist, Esperanza Cortés, speak about her exhibition "Tierra Dentro." Cortés is a Colombian-born multidisciplinary artist based in New York City whose poetic and intricately crafted sculptural installations and mixed media paintings are inspired by folk art traditions, rituals, music, and dance of the Americas. Through the work, Cortés reconsiders the social and historical narratives of colonialism and raises critical questions about the politics of erasure and exclusion.

March 24, 2023, 10am-12pm: Symbols of LOVE Workshop (Adult + Teen)

Following her artist talk on Thursday, March 23, Esperanza Cortés will lead a ceramic workshop at The Current, demonstrating the techniques used to create the intricate flowers and designs that grace her work passed down to her directly from her Colombian mother.

March 25, 2023, 10am-12pm: Beaded Embellishments Workshop (Ages 7 to Adult)

Multi-media artist Shannon O’Connell guides participants in creating beaded patches and pins in this family-friendly workshop. O’Connell will demonstrate various beaded embroidery techniques as well as tips and tricks for backing and securely attaching your embellished artwork.

March 25, 2023, 2pm-4pm: Remembrance Bracelets Workshop (Ages 7 to Adult)

Explore themes of identity and memory in Tierra Dentro by creating your own wearable artwork. Guided by Teaching Artist, Shannon O’Connell, participants will design and create multi-strand necklaces or bracelets.