February 7 – 21, 2020
_________ by women
About the exhibition
Stay Gallery is pleased to present _________ by women, a debut group exhibition featuring the works of four artists – Melissa Arevalo, Luna Esparza, Marianna Flores and Josie Marlyn.
This exhibition highlights a colorful array of graphic design, illustration and photography that aim to inspire and empower female creators. _________ by women represents the infinite possibilities women can achieve. The title includes a blank line that allows viewers to fill the space with their own imagination. Determination by women, Creativity by women and Change by women are just a few examples.
This exhibition will feature an interactive installation where viewers can fill in the title of the exhibition on a personalized notecard. These notecards will be displayed on a board in the gallery. How would you fill it in?
Supported by Topo Chico
Exhibition flyer for blank by women – February, 2020
“We want to see more women in art and design. With our exhibition, we hope to inspire young girls to pursue their dreams and passion projects through positivity and authenticity.”
– Melissa, Luna, Marianna and Josie
About the artists
Featured alphabetically by last name
Melissa Arevalo
Melissa Arevalo is a graphic designer, illustrator and painter based in Los Angeles County. Her love for drawing, painting and photography began at a young age. Inspired by nature and color, Arevalo explores various visual experiences through her work. She is a college graduate with an A.S. Degree in Graphic Design, and has earned multiple certificates in different design disciplines. When she is not creating, she often spends time with her siblings watching silly comedies from the 80's or 90's, like Austin Powers.
Luna Esparza
Luna Esparza finds interest in issues relating to women and the shared connections they have throughout time and space, circumstance and illusion. Her preferred mediums are photography and painting, with a current focus on surrealistic collage photography. In her recent series, Mujeres Guerreras, Luna fuses images together to underscore the deep bond between women as they navigate the balance between hard existences on earth and retaining a sense of ‘self’. Luna highlights the raw strength and grace of women who pursue their hopes and dreams – even when they go unnoticed by those around them.
Marianna Flores
Marianna Flores is a graphic designer that weaves digital art with photography. Marianna was once an observer of the arts, but soon became an artist herself. Digital art became the outlet that she didn’t know she needed. Her inspirations comes from the beautiful views and delights of California, with every piece offering a peek into her vibrant memories. Being her first exhibition, Blank By Women is an exciting moment for Marianna as she embarks on her creative career.
Josie Marlyn
Josie Marlyn is a California based graphic designer that shows her optimistic sense of humor, dedication and admiration for color theory through design. In her newest body of work, Josie experiments with The True Notes – a series of posters derived from her personal experiences, thoughts and staying true to herself – through digital artwork, film, handwritten calligraphy and photography. Josie touches upon music throughout her work and its ability to produce powerful sound waves that move us and make us feel its positive energy. In her personal time, Josie enjoys dancing to loud music, meaningful conversations and hanging out with her pug, Nicholas the Third.
Exhibition highlights
Curation for "blank by women" – Image by William Andrade
Luna & Marianna help Josie curate her artwork
Melissa installing her artwork – Image by William Andrade
(From left to right) Luna, Marianna, Josie and Melissa – Image by William Andrade
"blank by women" flyers & stickers – Image by William Andrade
"blank by women" opening reception – Image by William Andrade
"blank by women" opening reception – February 17, 2020
"blank by women" artists speak to students from Compton's Upward Bound program
"blank by women" opening reception – Image by William Andrade
View more photos from the opening reception: