Adriana Martinez: Dreamer

Adriana Martinez: Dreamer
 April 1 – July 9, 2023  
Opening Reception: Saturday, April 1 from 7-10pm

Dreamer  is a play on the artists immigration status, the American Dream, and the dreamer in all of us. Adriana Martinez tells of her immigration journey through a recreation of family photos. The works are painted in a manner that invites viewers to reflect on their own familial backgrounds and stories. These watercolors on paper allow an opening into the subject of the American Dream, its cost, and our inherent desires.    It explores the ways in which people search and explore beyond the horizon toward creating our luck and fulfill our sacred destiny.

About the Artist

Adriana Martinez  is a multimedia artist, muralist, educator, and community art advocate. Born in Colima, Mexico, Adriana Martinez is undocumented, currently protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals immigration policy also known as the Dream Act. The artist feels passionate about sharing art and creativity as a form of healing and transformation. Engaging with the community through various forms including organizing community events, participating in murals, and facilitating workshops. Adriana Martinez uses her art as a method to highlight people of color in her community by sharing their experience and humanizing immigration.

The artist earned a Bachelor’s in Studio Art from Cal State University, Fullerton in 2018 and Teaching Credential from Cal State University, Long Beach in 2023.   In 2020, Adriana was an artist-in-residence at Muzeo in Anaheim, CA, providing virtual art workshops for all ages. In 2018, the artist established Sketchbook Club, promoting creativity through use of sketchbooks, receiving a 2020  Santa Ana Art and Culture grant to continue the work of providing accessibility to creative process and free art materials. More recently, the artist has received funding from Community Engagement, The Arts Connection, and other local non-profits.