WE SEE YOU

JURORS PIA CRUZALEGUI & MIA GARCIA-HILLS

Opening during Pride month at the Oak Park Art League, this exhibit makes space for artists from underrepresented populations and aims to highlight voices from the community and include
a diverse selection of engaging work during this critical election year.

Mia Garcia-Hills Statement:

My perception and observations of indifference, acceptance and rejection are essential to my understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion and fuel a critical outlook that impacts the way I experience and interpret the communities where I live, work and learn.

It is this engrained criticality that galvanized the faith, passion and energy I have for transforming physical and psychological spaces of exclusion into something that better challenges, supports and honors diversity of thought, creativity and culture.

My intention in every endeavor is to contribute to spaces for belonging or ally-ship not regardless of, but because of a deep respect for humanity. I advocate for unapologetic authenticity that is rooted in my most basic understanding; all humans are precious and worthy of love, kindness, compassion and care.

Pia Cruzalegui Statement:

As a juror for the 2024 We See You Exhibition organized by Oak Park Art League, I was honored to witness the diverse works of all contributing artists. Art is a universal language, documenting individual creativity and expression. It serves as a voice and memory for societies, reflecting past, present, and future perspectives.

In a multicultural society, artists play a crucial role in fostering understanding, empathy, and appreciation for diverse perspectives. Through their work, artists have the power to transcend cultural boundaries, challenge stereotypes, and promote dialogue across different communities. By embracing cultural diversity and incorporating it into their artistic expression, artists contribute to a more inclusive and interconnected world. They serve as ambassadors of cultural exchange, promoting mutual respect and celebration of humanity's rich tapestry of traditions, beliefs, and experiences. As artists, we have a responsibility to use our platform to amplify marginalized voices, advocate for social justice, and promote unity in diversity.

Congratulations to all artists for showcasing originality, artistic voice, and technical skills. While the selection process was challenging, I encourage artists to persist in their creative journey and share their work with the world.