![\"mel](\"http:\/\/www.paolomejia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/mel-flyer.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nThe Paolo Mejia Art Gallery and Design Studio<\/em> invites everyone to attend Mel Vera Cruz’s art show that will be shown at a facility in Alameda. The paintings shown in this exhibit are manifestations of different layers of Mel Vera Cruz<\/em><\/a>\u2018s experiences. Some of these paintings were painted 12 years ago and left lying in his studio, while over time is superimposed, overlayed and painted on two or more times. Each of these tiers or layers represent his growth and evolution \u2013 the \u2018layers\u2019 of his past and present.<\/p>\n Mel Vera Cruz immigrated from the Philippines when he was 31, where he left his profession for 9 years in an advertising agency as an illustrator and as an art director. His experiences from childhood to adulthood and from Philippines to the United States were filled with a lot of challenges, which fueled his need to look for that refuge. Art and art making became Mel\u2019s refuge.The materials Mel utilizes reflect his independence. They are mostly bought from hardware stores as a form of protest and to challenge the pejorative. Mel uses card-boards, empty containers, found objects and whatever is available. He believes in self-sufficiency in experimenting and discovering avenues, and does not depend on \u2018institutions\u2019 to validate his art making. His independence is what makes his work brilliant.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Mel Vera Cruz currently lives in the East Bay and work as a professional graphic designer and tattoo artist. He has been showing his artwork in Manila, Philippines and around California.<\/p>\n art SHOW:<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 JULY 28 \u2013 AUGUST 30<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n location<\/span>:<\/em><\/p>\n Alameda Free Library<\/em><\/strong> The Paolo Mejia Art Gallery and Design Studio invites everyone to attend Mel Vera Cruz’s art show that will be shown at a facility in Alameda. The paintings shown in this exhibit are manifestations of different layers of Mel Vera … Continue reading
\n1550 Oak Street (across from the Alameda police station)
\nAlameda, Ca 94501<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"