Immerse yourself in the art of John Parra and join us on a joyous journey that celebrates the world around us and the heroes among us. Parra,  is an award winning illustrator, fine artist, designer, and educator, best known for his Latino themed children’s books such as Waiting for the Biblioburro, Green is a Chile Pepper, and Gracias/Thanks. The exhibition spans over 35 years of Parra’s creative growth, and includes some of the most vibrant and engaging art found in children’s literature today.

Parra’s distinctive aesthetic style and narrative quality of his work are strongly influenced by the rich cultural palette of his Hispanic roots and heritage.  Inspired by the imagery of Mexican murals, surrealism, folk art, music and dance costumes, and regional cuisine, his art speaks to the beauty of diversity and the strength of optimism. His colorful and exceptionally detailed scenes are easy to wander through at length, and promise something new each time they are revisited. They invite us to look closer, and reward us with the joy that comes with finding the beauty in the everyday as well as the exotic. On view August 26 – October 22, 2017. 

Reception with the artist October 20, 2017, 6:00-8:00 pm.