Cristina Acosta

Cristina is a Mexican American artist who resides in Bend, Oregon. Growing up in Los Angeles, Cristina was surrounded by images of Mexican and Spanish Colonial art. Her mother often took her children to visit historic California missions, churches, and gardens in the community. Here they saw many types and forms of altars. Her parents even built a grotto in their backyard featuring a Madonna. This history inspires Cristina to teach a folk art form called retablo, devotional art often painted on tin, copper, wood, or leather. This genre, deeply rooted in Spanish Colonial history, can be colorful, spiritual, symbolic, and allegorical. Classes focus on the ex-voto style of retablo are popular with students who wish to create art using personal items such as photos, poetry and personal letters.

Cristina is a nationally renowned artist, exhibiting in galleries and museums, and author of Paint Happy!. She has also illustrated a Costa Rican creation story,When Woman Became the Sea.

Area: Within 100 miles of Bend
Type: Residencies, Workshops
Grades: 4-adult
Cost: Special cost $500 for the 6 hour workshop plus travel
Supplies: cost to be determined