Frida Kahlo’s Inspiration Aids Puerto Rico at Local Colors

Frida Kahlo’s Inspiration Aids Puerto Rico at Local Colors

Kathy Bucholska, a member of Local Colors Artists’ Cooperative, will be showing her new line of jewelry and mixed media, inspired by Frida Kahlo, a Mexican artist and feminist, to benefit the US citizens of hurricane ravaged Puerto Rico. She’ll display her jewelry and mixed media from October 23 through November 3 and donate 50% of her show sales to The Boston Foundation/Latino Legacy Fund (http://www.tbf.org/puertorico). The funds will go to Puerto Rican disaster relief, sustainable rebuilding and support of Puerto Ricans migrating to Massachusetts as a result of the hurricane. Connected to Frida Kahlo’s art, the show also includes the traditional Mexican Day of the Dead altar, celebrated this time of the year, where the public can leave remembrances of ones who have journeyed on. Local Colors has often made this cultural tradition of the altar available to the public in prior years.

“I have always been intrigued by the life of Frida Kahlo and her controversial art. Many of her self-portraits show her in various types of jewelry which served as an inspiration” says Kathy. “It allowed me to expand my creativity with bolder, more culturally diverse designs and at the same time, give me an opportunity to offer support to our fellow citizens in Puerto Rico.”

Kahlo’s work often included symbols of the traditional Day of the Dead celebration so in the spirit of celebrating her life and inspiration, Kathy installed a Day of the Dead altar for the public to post a remembrance of a loved one, friend, favorite artist or just someone who has been an inspiration. She also saw it as an opportunity to raise much needed funds for the people of Puerto Rico who after almost four weeks are still struggling for water, food and electricity.

Kathy will be working all day at the Local Colors Artists’ Cooperative, 121 Main Street, Gloucester on October 30 from 10 to 6 pm where she is offering cider and cookies and an opportunity to ask questions about the exhibit and the cause. Regular hours are daily from 10 to 6, 978-283-3996.