Essential Estrogen

The works of Mexican artist Leonardo Torcuato will be on display at the Paul Engle Center for Neighborhood Arts, 1600 Fourth Ave. SE in Cedar Rapids, beginning with an opening reception on Saturday, Aug. 18 from 4 to 7 p.m.

Entitled “When You No Longer Were Here,” the exhibit includes over 30 original paintings and sculptures interpreting biblical events, recent historical events in the U.S. and various events in Mexico’s history. Included are paintings inspired by the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and unsolved murders of hundreds of young women on the U.S. and Juarez, Mexico border.

Torcuato is a native of Coyoacan, the home of many notable Mexican artists, including Frida Khalo and Diego Rivera. The town is steeped in Mexican culture and is home to many writers, musicians, actors, poets and painters. Torcuato came to Cedar Rapids in 2005 after his wife, Ana, was promoted to a position at Whirlpool Refrigeration in Amana. Their son, Leonardo Jr., was born in Cedar Rapids that same year.

Since coming to Cedar Rapids, Torcuato has held two conferences on Mexican Muralism at Kirkwood Community College, participated in two outdoor exhibits sponsored by the New Bohemia Group, assisted with the restoration of a mural at the Paul Engle Center for Neighborhood Arts, painted a mural on the cafeteria wall at Johnson School of the Arts, painted a mural at La Placita restaurant in Waterloo, and participated in the International Festival sponsored by The World International Cultural Center in Cedar Rapids. He was recognized last year by Waterloo’s Centro Latinoamericano for his support of the Hispanic community. The Paul Engle Center exhibit will be Torcuato’s first one-man show in the Midwest.

The reception will feature music performed by Coe students Sarah Wedgewood on violin, JoAnna Cochenet on viola, and Allie Brown on cello. Food and refreshments will be provided. Following the reception, the exhibit will be open by appointment through Oct. 5. The reception is free and open to the public. Tax-deductible donations to benefit the Paul Engle Center will be accepted.

The Paul Engle Center for Neighborhood Arts serves as a meeting place for residents of the immediate neighborhood and the greater community for a variety of arts related and social functions.