Kelvin Lopez Brings Mexican Textiles to Life in New Art Show

Art, Power, Equity (APE)—an arts-based enterprise that supports underrepresented artists—and long-time public relations and marketing firm J. Walcher Communications (JWC) will be presenting the second artist residency of their three-part summer series

Kelvin Lopez Showcases “Casa de las Flores”

JWC’s historic offices in Sherman Heights will provide a dedicated exhibition space for artwork by San Diego-based printmaker and interdisciplinary artist Kelvin Lopez.

Known for merging the boundaries of printmaking, Mexican textiles, and his relationship with the natural and metaphysical worlds, Lopez was selected by the first artist in the “Curator-in-Residence” series, Katie Ruiz.

Lopez’s exhibition features work consisting mostly of monotype and relief prints that are often hand embellished and resemble Mexican textiles. Kelvin creates what he calls contemporary “servilletas” (napkins) by adding embroidery and crochet borders onto his monotypes.

This show will feature a range of monotype and relief installations as well as mixed-media works featuring glass castings, grown crystals, and live plants.

Lopez teaches various printmaking methods throughout San Diego County and works as a print studio technician at the Athenaeum Art Center.

He has a bachelor’s degree in fine art from California State University Long Beach and a master’s degree in fine art with an emphasis in printmaking from the Rhode Island School of Design.

Cultivating BIPOC Artistry

APE establishes relationships with Black, Indigenous and other People of Color (BIPOC) artists to develop projects and exhibitions that cultivate, promote and showcase those who meet at the intersections of under-representation, economic vulnerability, and community development.

“The residency creates space to build new relationships, deepen our understanding of the amazing work in our region, and share that journey with others,” said APE Founder and Curator Kamaal Martin.

“The trust that JWC has shown in us and this process has been incredible, and I know our region would benefit greatly from more partnerships like this.”

“As long-time art supporters and enthusiasts, we love having the opportunity to use our office to support artists and curators, especially underrepresented BIPOC artists,” said Jean Walcher, president and founder of JWC.

For the final residency in the 2024 series, Lopez has selected David Mont Virgen, a Mexican visual artist who resides and creates between the vibrant cities of Tijuana, Mexico and San Diego, California, transcending geographical boundaries.

See you there!

Lopez’s exhibition “Casa de las Flores” opens with a reception and viewing on Saturday, July 13, from 6 PM to 9 PM, featuring a brief artist talk at 7 PM. The show is open every Saturday from 1 PM to 4 PM, from July 13 through August 10, and during the week by appointment only.

For more information and reservations, please visit their website here or call 619 373 2039. You can also follow them on Facebook and Instagram for more updates.

See you there, San Diego!