A “Journey Stories” exhibit in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month in association with Westfield Puerto Rican Association
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Andrea Fabiana Piatti-Bruno is a self-taught artist, whose bold use of color and design on canvas, furniture, pillows and fashionwear, including one-of-a-kind hand-painted gowns.
A Westfield resident of sixteen years and the mother of six children, Piatti-Bruno is the owner of Blended Vintage Marketplace at 48 Elm Street, which has spotlighted the artist’s work, and that of other regional artists and artisans for almost eight years The merchandise, displays and design of her store reflects Piatti-Bruno’s love of individuality and her philosophy of making something old new again.
Self-taught artist, Frankie Borrero has followed his passion for drawing since the age of 5. Prior to a traumatic brain injury in 2015, Frankie produced one or two pieces of art per year. Since that accident however, he has become a prolific artist, working in a variety of medium and genres.
Borrero is well-known for his proficiency and wide range of styles, including several public art projects in Holyoke, Springfield and Westfield, and commissioned pieces for clients throughout the continental United States and in Puerto Rico.
Born in New York City and raised in Massachusetts, Frankie has recently done projects with a heavy Taino, Spanish and African influence using a broad color palette, which belies his surprising color-blindness.
“Fiesta” is part of WOW’s ongoing '"Journey Stories’" series that seeks to tell the stories of various segments of the community. Past shows have explored the experiences of seniors, immigrants and the Black and Puerto Rican communities through events, art installations and gallery exhibits.
In addition to celebrating the culture of Latin America, “Fiesta” honors the journeys of Piatti- Bruno and Borrero, both of whom have inspiring stories of getting from there to here. Piatti-Bruno did not speak English when she first immigrated to the United States with her family and endured prejudice and bullying, while Borrero was born into poverty, experienced homelessness and had to overcome an abusive childhood. Borrero’s recovery from traumatic brain injury has also been described as “nothing short of miraculous.”
“We are thrilled to spotlight these artists, who are prime examples of resilience and creativity and who give back so much to their communities in beautiful ways,” Kathi Bradford, director of the WOW Center said.
Other hours will be added, pending the availability of volunteer docents. Group tours are also available by appointment.
The exhibit is made possible through the financial support of the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the Westfield Cultural Council, the Westfield Downtown Cultural District, the City of Westfield, and donations from the public and audience members. In-kind assistance has been provided by Reminder Publications.
Westfield on Weekends is a program of Westfield on Weekends, a 501(c)(3) volunteer nonprofit that seeks to increase the creative vitality of Westfield through accessible, affordable and educational programming that celebrates the diversity of life in Westfield.
