It’s been a while since I released my last newsletter. Honestly, there really wasn’t much to report up until recently. It’s usually pretty slow January - March. I’ve been applying to grants, and working out details for upcoming projects which has kept me busy. I’m really excited for what's to come these next few months. 

Around this time I’m usually kinda bummed out that fall and winter have come to an end, but I’m actually really excited for spring. It’s really pretty, the little glimpses of sunshine are so picturesque and the blooming flowers give me a serotonin boost. I’m. It a fan of hot weather so spring is a good in between.

Mural Sneak Peak

I was approached by a staff member from the Miller Community Center (Hi Mark!) to create a mural on one of their walls with the theme of healthy and thriving futures. I met some youth that attend their after school program to gather ideas and hear what they had planned out for their futures. Traveling, continuing their education, and growing as a person were some of the things they came up with. I’ve gotten the design approved by the community center and Seattle Public Schools (who is co sponsoring the mural) now I’ll get to paint it with some youth in mid May (weather permitting). 

I Had My First Studio Sale

My studio had gotten cluttered with old work and I needed to make room for a giant bean bag. So I decided to do a sale on my Instagram for folks who were interested in purchasing my old work - I’m talking some paintings that are over a decade old. The response was overwhelming and I’m happy to have given paintings that I once loved a change at a new home. Letting go of some of those paintings was a bit sad but never giving them the attention they deserve is even sadder so it was the right thing to do. If I had kept them long enough I might have painted over them - my partner Omar hates when I do that lmao. 

Bye Bye Brown Boy

One of my all time favorite paintings has been sold. It will be housed at the Metropole Building in the historic Pioneer Square neighborhood. I originally submitted a mural proposal but they opted for this painting instead. It’s sad to see this one go. I painted him in 2018 and he’s always been on display in my home. At least he’ll be down the road from me.

Beef with Adobe Illustrator 

I created my second public artwork with Illustrator. The artwork is made to go onto utility boxes in Renton, WA (Burnett Ave S & S 3rd St). I’m really happy with how it turned out but I don’t ever want to use illustrator again. It felt very restrictive, counterintuitive, and soulless in the process (sorry to the graphic design community, this is just my opinion). Anyways, this is how it came out. The artwork should be installed in the coming months once it’s less rainy  :D 

What’s Next

BIDI BIDI BOM BASH 

I’ll be vending this Saturday at Bidi Bidi Bom Bash hosted by the homies Alimentando Al Pueblo. Come through! There will be food, music, and art. All to celebrate the great Selena Quintanilla. Lake Burien Presbyterian Church

I’m Giving a 2 Session Teen Painting Workshop a Gage Academy of Art

I’ll be giving a two session workshop for teens teaching them how to paint foil balloons. They’ve been some of my favorite things to paint lately. If you have a teen, know a teen, or are a teen (ask your parents, obvs), come check it out.  April 19th - 20th. 

Click here for more info 

Next Show - Juntos at Nepantla with Eileen Jimenez and Soni Lopez-Chavez 

May 3rd will be the opening reception of Juntos- a three artist show alongside Eileen Jimenez and Soni Lopez-Chavez at the Nepantla Cultural Arts Gallery in White Center. I’m still deciding on what I’ll be exhibiting but it will will definitely be my newer works. There will be a Q&A that day. Come check it out!

I’m taking on commissions for 2025! 

I’m always taking on commissions. If you’d like an original artwork from me for yourself or a loved one please reach out. Email me directly at carlos@carlosmartinezart.com or click the button below to request an artwork.

Thanks for sticking around, always. So excited for what’s to come this year <3