3439 Knox Place, Suite 1A
Bronx , New York 10467
Contact: Jose Rios Phone: (718) 882-1301
Contact: Dr. Gelabert Phone: (212) 874-7188

For Immediate Release

Window of My World

Jose Rios invites you to peek through his windows this April. Rios opens his third solo art exhibit, entitled "windows" April 19 through April 30 presented by Gelabert Studios Gallery at 255 West 86 th Street just off Broadway.

The artwork in this exhibit allows the viewer to catch a glimpse of someone else's life by peeking through their window. Many of the pieces are a tribute to the intrinsic characteristics of the artists' community. One such piece is "Abuelita" which depicts an elderly woman sitting at her window watching the people in her neighborhood. She is the grandmother of her barrio , watching from afar, forming her opinions and providing the wisdom of her years even when it is not requested. As a child, raised in Spanish Harlem Rios felt compelled to acknowledge the strong women who considered all the children around them their own. Rios explains, “The abuelitas that cared for me when my mom wasn't around, embody the idea that it takes a community to raise a child”

Jose Rios was born in Puerto Rico and moved to New York when he was two. During his youth, Rios discovered a love and talent for art. However, as an adult he abandoned his talent to pursue an addiction to heroin. After living on the streets for ten years, Rios put down his syringe and picked up a paintbrush. Rios has been clean for 8 years and is thrilled to open his third solo art show.

Rios invites the visitors of his exhibit to escape their own lives, and peek into his “windows” to see the love, life, and struggle of others. Rios says, “We take so much for granted, I hope that my paintings will inspire people to acknowledge the stories in the windows around them.” So, as you pass through your neighborhood take a moment to look up at the lives that surround you.

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