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Hispanic Artists Panel Discussion

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by joining us for this artists panel discussion.

Omar Bravo, Martin Garay, Marcela Rojas-Pérez and Evelyn Sosa will join in the discussion led by Dr. Lia Uribe to talk about their work and what inspires them.

Lia Uribe is associate chair and associate professor of music at the University of Arkansas music department. Besides her music making, Dr. Uribe is passionate about inclusiveness, representation, and diversity in the arts. Dr. Uribe’s work with the community connects her endeavors as a scholar with artists and art leaders. She is a member of the Walton Arts Center Board of Directors where she co-chairs the DEIB board committee. She directs RefleXions Music Series, a celebration of music, musician, and audiences that fosters creative justice and diversity through opportunities to reflect, learn, grow, change and teach. Originally from Colombia, Lia Uribe holds degrees in bassoon performance from Universidad Nacional de Colombia, University of Arkansas, and University of Kansas. In July of 2021 she earned  an Executive Certificate in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University. Lia was recently selected as one of 60 arts leaders and change makers from diverse nationalities to be a fellow for the Global Leaders Program 2022 Cohort, an intensive 12-month executive development training in arts leadership, community innovation, creative design, organizational management, and social entrepreneurship.

Omar Bravo, or more commonly known as “Hungry,” is a Mexican-American artist originally born in Garden Grove, California, who currently lives in Springdale, Arkansas. “Hungry” is known for his psychedelic use of bright colors and imagery, bringing in influence from graffiti, the rave scene, video games and fashion. These influences help create a mesmerizing world of color that invites the viewers to play in while capturing the wondrous, child-like affinity for things that glow. He is a self-taught artist in drawing, digital art, painting, screen printing, and sewing. Throughout the past several years, he has participated in the art scene in NWA, from painting murals to curating local events and art galleries in Springdale, Arkansas. His motivation is to create a space that brings forth art and artists that aren’t afraid to go against the grain and don’t readily conform to the norms of traditional art.

Martin Garay is a founding member, contributor, and Technical Coordinator for the Latinx Theatre Project; having participated in the production of Follow Me @ Tio Sam, Scratch That, Blanket Statements, and Crossroads. Martin is currently obtaining a degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences at Northwest Arkansas Community College. He hopes to become an asset to his hometown of Springdale through his work with LXTP, as well as other community organizations throughout the city. 

Marcela Rojas-Pérez is a first generation Chicanx artist born and raised in Northwest Arkansas. Pérez uses photography, ink drawings, and writing as mediums for portraiture and storytelling, laying special emphasis on themes of identity, conflict, and mortality. They hope to continue using their work as a way to hold stories.

Evelyn Sosa, also known as "VLYN", is a 29-year-old Latinx artist, DJ, and community organizer living in Fayetteville. Her current work involves self-portraits transformed into digital collages. Her inspiration comes from self-reflections, the consistent transformation of identity and the digital era of art. Their work is dark, bright, and filled with different layers and textures that reflect the layers and complexity of their persona. In the past, she has participated in live painting and organizing fundraisers at music events in Fayetteville. Currently, she is serving as the Director of Arts & Culture Programming a TASC, and a DJ in the local underground bass music scene. They look forward to continuing to explore the many facets of art and identity and sharing their work with the community. 

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