Featuring Amanda Valdes, Chelsea Jaramillo, Diana "DidiRok" Contreras, Jodie Herrera, and Michelle "Mr. B Baby" Ruby. Guest curated by Lorenzo Talcott.

ABOUT
Denver, CO – ALTO GALLERY is thrilled to announce Sueña, an extraordinary all-female Latina art exhibition that will feature new works by Diana "Didi" Contreras, Amanda Valdes, Chelsea Lewinski, Jodie Herrera, and Michelle Ruby. These acclaimed artists and muralists, celebrated for their stunning large-scale works in Miami's Wynwood Art District, Denver, New Mexico, San Diego, and Los Angeles, are bringing their exceptional talents to Denver, Colorado. This exhibition represents a rare opportunity to experience the innovative and impactful works of some of the most prominent figures in today’s art scene.


BIOS
Diana “Didi” Diana Contreras Art
Diana Contreras (b. 1981, Peru @didirok) is a Miami-based artist whose work captures the essence of femininity through whimsical portraiture. Blending her love for illustration and urban art with classical techniques, Contreras creates pieces that explore themes of love, beauty, and empowerment. Primarily working with oil, she also enjoys experimenting with various media to enhance her artistic expression.
Contreras holds a Master of Science in Art Education from Florida International University and has studied in Florence, Italy, and at the Art Students League of New York. Her work has been exhibited and collected worldwide.


Amanda Valdes
Amanda Valdes (@amandavaldes), a Miami native, is renowned for her iconic macabre style, featuring heavy-lashed, doe-eyed figures that command attention. Her surreal characters, often depicted in large-scale murals, are flights of imagination filled with symbolic references and exotic elements. Valdes's work is known for its dark, provocative aesthetic that challenges viewers' perceptions.
Valdes’s art has been featured on HGTV, DIY Network, and in various publications. She has collaborated with major brands such as DC Comics, Warner Brothers, and Ford Motors. Her first solo exhibition debuted at 18, and she has continued to receive accolades for her work. Valdes currently splits her time between South Florida and Portland, Oregon.


Chelsea Lewinski
Chelsea Lewinski (@Chelsealewinski), born and raised in Denver, is an internationally acclaimed street artist whose emotionally charged portraits blend surrealism with abstract styles. Mastering layered painting techniques, Lewinski’s work delves into the complexities of human experience, offering powerful visions of strength and hope.
As a respected figure in Denver’s cultural scene, Lewinski’s work ranges from intimate canvases to expansive murals. She is also a dedicated mother, balancing her artistic career with the demands of parenthood. Each of her works is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.


Michelle Guerrero aka Mr. B Baby
Michelle Guerrero (@mrbbaby), also known as Mr. B Baby, infuses her work with the vibrant elements of Mexican folk art and the playful charm of children’s book illustrations. Raised in Chula Vista by her Puerto Rican mother, Guerrero’s art is deeply influenced by her cultural heritage and personal experiences. Her work transforms emotions like sadness and anxiety into empowering and joyful scenes, resonating with audiences of all ages.
As an advocate for mental health, Guerrero hopes her art inspires others to overcome adversity and pursue their passions. Each character she creates tells a unique story, spreading positivity through her vibrant creations.


Jodie Herrera
Jodie Herrera’s (@chromaj) photorealistic paintings celebrate the resilience of women of color, using symbolism and detailed narratives to share their powerful stories. As the founder of "Women Across Borders," Herrera works with refugee and immigrant women, creating art that highlights their personal journeys and brings attention to the issues they face.
Herrera's murals reflect the culture and history of the communities they inhabit, raising awareness about social justice issues. Her work, which is part of the permanent collection at The Smithsonian's Archives of American Art, has been showcased in museums and galleries across the U.S. and Europe. Recently, she was honored as “Best Artist of the Year” by Albuquerque Magazine. She has been awarded best artist of the year 3 times by Albuquerque magazine.


DATES

Exhibition: Friday, September 6 - Saturday, September 28, 2024
Opening Reception: First Friday, September 6, 6 - 10 PM
Artist Talk: Saturday, September 7, 12 - 1 PM