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Artist brings a piece of El Salvador to Pitt Meadows through art

New exhibit at Pitt Meadows Art Gallery features works of Clarissa Banos
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Clarissa Banos’ collection ‘Echoes of Mother Earth’ is inspired by the elements of nature and flora and fauna from Latin America. (Submitted/Special to The News)

Pitt Meadows Art Gallery (PMAG) is featuring work from a B.C. artist from El Salvador this February and March.

Clarissa Banos’ Echoes of Mother Earth, is being showcased at the art gallery until Mar. 27.

“Echoes of Mother Earth is a collection of paintings inspired by the ever transforming elements of nature as well as by many flora and fauna endangered species, specially in Latin America, all in celebration of “Mother Earth” and the powerful connection we share with it, both, as individuals and as global communities,” said Banos.

Banos, who is originally from El Salvador, has been living in Canada, specifically New Westminster, since 2001. While she hasn’t lived in Pitt Meadows, she said she enjoys the peaceful, friendly atmosphere whenever she visits the city. She was especially excited of bring her Latin American culture to the city and sharing it with its residents.

“It is always an honour and a privilege to share my passion for my beloved Latin American heritage and culture with the rest of the world through my artwork, specially by paying tribute to the beauty, strength and resilience of indigenous women, the axis of a magical, colourful universe, in celebration of our idiosyncrasies, popular culture and folklore,” she said.

Banos was first contacted by Tracee Jung, the arts and cultural programmer with the city, in the Fall of 2021 about the possibility of a solo art show.

“I was very excited about this opportunity as it was the first time for me exhibiting my artwork in the beautiful city of Pitt Meadows, so I gladly accepted her offer!” said Banos. “Tracee has done an amazing job at planning and coordinating the installation of the exhibit at PMAG, as well as of various community events in relation to the show, including an upcoming Artist Talk and Children Art Workshops.”

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Banos will be hosting a ‘Children’s Art Workshop with Clarissa Banos’ on Mar. 6 at the South Bonson Community Centre. Children will get to create a mixed media masterpiece inspired by “Mother Earth” and the elements of nature. To register, people can visit: pittfitandfun.ca.

She will also be hosting an ‘Artist Talk with Clarissa Banos’ on Mar. 12 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., in which she will take participants through her exhibition and share her inspiration behind her work. Pre-registration would be required for the talk, and can be done by calling 604-465-2470, or in-person at the Pitt Meadows Family Recreation Centre.

In 2022, Banos plans to participate in various international online and physical art exhibitions in the United States, Spain and Italy.

PMAG is open from Wednesday to Sunday, between noon and 4 p.m., and the entry to the museum is free.

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Priyanka Ketkar

About the Author: Priyanka Ketkar

Priyanka Ketkar has been a journalist since 2011 with extensive experience in community-driven news writing, feature writing, and editing.
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