Stories Behind the Artists

Adriana Rondón-Rivero
Youth Program Faculty Member

How did you first get involved with ASLD and when?

Life is full of synchronicity. I met Rachel Basye while working at the Chile Fest at Westwood in September 2016 . At that moment I did not know who she was. I needed help and she kindly came to help me. At the end of the day, she gave me her card. At that moment I learned she was the Art Student League of Denver Director. The next day I sent her an email with photos and videos of my work. To make the story short, in January 2017 I started working on one of the community art programs that the Art Student League of Denver has in conjunction with the Denver Public Libraries called PLAZA. A program designed to meet the needs of immigrants, refugees, and asylees; a work that completely resonates with me. Shortly after I was invited to teach classes at the school, which initially terrified me a little bit. It meant a challenge: I would not only teach for the Latino community, but I would take a leap and also teach classes for the Denver Anglo community.

 

How has ASLD shaped you as an artist?

Working at the ASLD has taught me the important role that art has to make changes for the good of the community, in my case the immigrant and Latino community. Also it has helped me to understand and accept the responsibility that I have as a role model for the latino and immigrant community in Denver which is an honor for me.

 

What faculty members have you taken courses with as ASLD?

Holly Hurd, SA Bennett, Karem Bennett, Mark Friday.

 

What do you like about the ASLD community?

I love everything about ASLD, especially the people that work there. How helpful they are and open to listen to new ideas. I love the freedom that I have as an artist and educator to introduce, in my case, my art style and expertise in the Performance Art field and expressive art and how they appreciate who I am as an immigrant and Latina artist.

 

Anything else you want to share with us?

I feel completely supported and appreciated at the ASLD!