Michele is a proud founding member of Los Artistas del Barrio Buffalo. Creating a space for local Latino/a/x artists and performers to talk about their work and collaborate creatively, was a vision that Michele and her co-founders brought to fruition.

Michele proudly considers herself a street photographer, using that art form to delve into the spirit, psyche and emotional aspect of her subjects. Her desire to share intimate stories is what motivates her. Michele integrates photography with other art forms as well, such as printmaking, collage, and mixed media. This exploration allows for deeper emotional and psychological connections, which focus on themes of diversity, environment, family, and community...all that is humanity. 

Michele has exhibited her photography and mixed media works throughout the Buffalo/Niagara region. Most recently, Michele has exhibited at the Castellani Art Museum in Niagara Falls, NY where she received a 2nd place medal for her piece, “New Orleans 425”. In 2018 she was recognized with the Women in the Arts Award from NYS Assembly Member Crystal Peoples-Stokes. In 2020, Michele received the Trailblazer for the Arts SPARK Award, an award granted annually by the Arts Service Initiative of WNY. Michele has also received the first ever Excellence in Community Outreach and Engagement Award from the University at Buffalo’s Graduate School of Education in 2023.

In 1994, Michele moved to Buffalo, New York from Washington Heights in New York City. She has served the Buffalo Public Schools since 1994, first as a certified visual arts teacher and then an arts education administrator, where she is currently the Director of Arts for the district. Michele has earned her doctorate in educational administration, focusing on leadership and policy, and ensuring that all City of Buffalo youth receive an exceptional arts education.

Michele is an active part of the Buffalo arts scene and Latino/a/x community and is dedicated to the needs and growth of our youth in education, community, and the arts.

Born and raised in San Juan P.R. Aileen learned to sew from her paternal grandmother. As an adult, Aileen took classes with the acclaimed Designer, Carlota Alfaro and perfecting her talent as a designer at the prestigious Centro Moda Lisa Thon Center of Fashion and Art located in Puerto Rico.

In 2002, Aileen designed for Carla Tricoli, Miss Universe Puerto Rico, a piece called, “La Caña de Azuca” (The Sugar Cane). This was Chosen as the Traditional NationalCostume for a pageant in Panama.

Aileen has worked with top designers, illustrators, and artists such as Elier Aubret and Antonio Broccoli Porto. She in fact collaborated with Porto in an exhibition titled, Bomba Celebration of Sight and Sound in Montclair University in New Jersey,

She moved to Buffalo in 2012 to be close to her family and immediately joined the art community, where she helped to found Los Artistas del Barrio Buffalo.

ACOMPLISHMENTS AND PRESENTATIONS

2003-TRADITIONAL ENSEMBLE "LA CANA DE AZUCAR''

Miss Universe P.R International Competition Panama, Top 25

2004-Miss PR Universe 1st Place Traditional Ensemble '’Jardin Botanico"

2005-Novel Fashion Day Show1st Place of 15 Designers, Cover of ''Vea'' TV Magazine

• Interview and ShowCase ClothSpine Magazine

• Miss PR Universe 1st Place ''Traditional'' Ensemble ''El Morivivi''

• ''Bomba'' Celebration of Sight and Sound, at the Montclair University ,New Jersey Collaboration with the Artist, Antonio Broccoli Porto,

2006-Celebrating 10 Years of upbringing Designers

Fashionista section ''El Nuevo Dia" news paper P.R

2008-Costume Designs For ''Segunda Quimbamba''

2009-Designer of the flight attendant uniform of "Caribbean Sun Airlines"

2013-Enchantment's of my Inheritance (Gallery show presentation at WNED 17 , Buffalo,

2015- Community service recognition-City of Buffalo

2016- Community service Art award-

• Founded Los Artistas del Barrio LADB

2017-Niagara Street Revival – Welcome to the Avenida San Juan signage in steel

• Homeland, Perhaps It is Because I Wish to See You Fly-Mural Collaboration-583 Niagara Street, Buffalo, NY

• Directors choice award- Hispanos Unidos de Buffalo,NY

2018-“De un hogar a otro” Mural colaboration-448 Niagara Street, Buffalo, NY

2019- Community service award- Olivencia Center

2021-Agents of change-Buffalo School recognition

2021- Spirit of Carolina- mural collaboration-Niagara Street,Buffalo,NY

Vincent “CRIME129” Alejandro. A true product of the diversity of the city of Buffalo. Vincent is a half Puerto Rican, half Irish artist who grew up in the Old First Ward in the Perry Projects area. Vincent graduated from Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts in 1992, then left Buffalo to serve in the Army in 1993. After 20 years of living everywhere from Mississippi to Europe, Vincent returned to his home city of BUffalo, New York in 2013.

Vincent’s background in art is deep rooted in the graffiti/street art scene since 1984 and has painted walls with notable street artists from Germany to The Bronx. He frequently paints at events like Paintlouis, Concrete Canvases, and Rustofest Chicago.

Since his return to Buffalo, he has become a chameleon of sorts, painting everything from commissioned artwork presented on canvas, to large scale public and private murals, to live painting art pieces for sale and auction at various regional and national events.

Vincent has over 30 public art murals around the city of Buffalo, and over a dozen business and private resident murals that he's completed for clients..

Vincent is also a proud Los Artistas del Barrio Buffalo (LADB) co-founder and exhibiting member.

Amapola Arts, LLC is a creative collaboration that celebrates the vibrant essence of Latino and urban art, rooted in Puerto Rican heritage. Founded by international artist Nino Morales and university professor Dr. Gliset Morales, Amapola Arts blends bold colors and rich storytelling to showcase the beauty of Borikén (Puerto Rico) and its natural landscapes. Their diverse collection spans canvas, pottery, and digital art, reflecting their passion for art, education, and cultural connection. Through exhibitions and art education, they aim to amplify voices, foster understanding, and inspire creativity worldwide. Explore, create, and inspire with Amapola Arts.

https://app.wavecnct.com/app/profile/amapolaarts

Sonia N Arzola Cornier, natural de Guayanilla, P.R. Desde pequeña le encantaba el arte y la poesía, y diseño de modas, especialmente el dibujo. Desde 2008, radica en Buffalo NY. No fue hasta principio de 2023 donde tomó la decisión de ser una diseñadora de muñecas de trapo. Por medio de este arte quiere exponer al mundo su cultura y pasión

Melinda Capeles is an accomplished Hard of Hearing Performing Artist with a diverse range of talents encompassing dance, singing, voice-over work, acting, acrobatics, clowning, stunt driving, and stage/cinematic combat. With a distinguished career marked by three Artie Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Musical, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Musical, and Outstanding Lead Actress in A Play, Melinda is a seasoned performer who has graced the stages of numerous prestigious companies.

Her artistic journey has seen her collaborate with esteemed organizations, including 710 Main, Second Generation Theater, Irish Classical Theater, Theatre of Youth, Road Less Traveled Theater, Raíces, Shakespeare In Delaware Park, Art Park, Paul Robeson Theatre, The MahataMmoho Dance Collective, Disney World, Cirque Du Soleil, Ringling Brothers, and Barnum & Bailey. Melinda's presence on both local and international stages showcases her exceptional versatility and dedication to the performing arts.

In addition to her impressive performance portfolio, Melinda extends her passion for the arts as a Teaching Artist. She imparts her knowledge and expertise at Theater of Youth of Western NY, Second Generation Theater, and St. Mary’s School for The Deaf. Her commitment to nurturing emerging talent is evident in her role as a workshop leader, where she fosters creativity, quick thinking, and teamwork.

Melinda offers a spectrum of workshops tailored to elevate individuals and teams. Her workshop offerings include Public Speaking and Presentation Skills, Body Language and Non-Verbal Communication, Team Building through Theater Games, Storytelling Workshops, Conflict Resolution through Role-Playing, Mindfulness and Stress Reduction through Movement, Creativity and Innovation Labs, Performance Coaching, Cultural Competency and Diversity Workshops with a focus on Deaf Culture inclusion, and Artistic Workshops for Wellness.

With a rich tapestry of experiences, she is an artist and educator whose goal is to empower others through the performing arts and ultimately foster collaboration and inclusion between hearing and deaf performers, creating a harmonious environment where both communities can work together seamlessly.

Doris Carbonell-Medina was the Project Director of the Empire State Poverty Reduction Initiative with the United Way of Buffalo & Erie County and was a former civil rights attorney with experience in public policy, equity and inclusion, and community development.  Doris is committed to social justice and the well- being of children and families. 

Doris was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, is of Puerto Rican heritage and speaks Spanish.  She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Syracuse University and a Juris Doctor from the University at Buffalo Law School, and is licensed to practice law in New York State.  She is married to Miguel Medina and has two children, Luke & Christian.  

Clarimar Galarza, is a Puerto Rican ceramic artist, currently based in Buffalo NY, Her work consists of transforming functional ceramics through the use of slip trailing and carved textures, inspired by designs found throughout gothic and medieval architectures. She makes use of vibrant colors in her glazes to reflect those seen on stained glass windows and elements of the architecture such as flying buttresses can be found creating negative space in her pieces.

Maria Rosario Cala

La María-Rosario describes herself as, "I represent those who have music in their soul, be it salsa, rumba, mambo or flamenco; what matters is the taste and movement. I represent a race of different colors that blend to make us transparent. I am the living example of my people " ~ Lou Briel

Who is La María? María Rosario-Cala was born and raised in the Enchanted Island of Puerto Rico under the name of María Del Rosario Seijo Ortiz. Her childhood nickname was Charito. She is a Portuguese, Spaniard and Taino Indians descendent, natives of the island of Puerto Rico.

María is also a normal person! She has been working with the Buffalo Public Schools since 2004. Currently, she is the first Hispanic Female Principal at Herman Badillo Bilingual Academy, BPS76, where she proudly serves children from Hispanic and many other origins. In addition to being a teacher at heart and a passionate school administrator determined to make a difference in Buffalo, Maria enjoys producing and directing musical performances where she sings and dances with her students and teachers of Latin and many other heritages and traditions.

Guillermo de la Rosa Janeiro (Nombre Artístico: Bhagavan Ishaya) nacio en Santiago de Cuba 7 de febrero de 1969.

Fotógrafo, actor, humorista, escritor, director de cine, radio y televisión. Miembro de la UNEAC.

Fundador de la KSA DEL CINE.

PARTICIPACIÓN EN EXPOSICIONES COLECTIVAS.

-Casa de Arte República Dominicana 2003

-Exposición Los caminos de Santiago. Galicia. España 2005

-Festivales del Caribe. 2001. 2003. 2010

-Exposición de presentación del filme “El Medico The

Cubaton Story”. Cine Rialto 2012

-Expo Festival Internacional de Jazz. New Orleans 2017

-Expo Colectiva. Guyana Francesa 2018

-Expo colectiva DOC NYC. New York 2022.

CAMPAÑAS PUBLICITARIAS Y DISCOS

-Fotografías para Discos del Septeto Santiaguero:

“Oye mi son Santiaguero” (2010)

“Vamos p ́a la fiesta” (2012)

“No quiero llanto” (2015)

“Raíz” (2017)

“A mi qué” (2018)

-Fotografías para campaña Publicitaria Médicos del Mundo. España. 2005

-Fotografías para campaña Publicitaria Documental “Los Reyes del Son”

-Fotografías para campaña Publicitaria documental Código Color.

-Fotografías para Campaña Publicitaria El Medico The Cubaton Story. Suecia. 2001 al 2012

-Fotografías para campaña Publicitaria Documental “Lázaro and The Shark”

Roberto Naheem IV

Illustrator/ Illuminus Bard

Based out of Buffalo, New York, I use my background in fashion illustration, collage, and storyboarding to create an ensemble of vibrant illustration and dynamic composition. Exploring the intersection of nature and urban life is what most inspires me.

Student of the Arts

Roberto’s background starts with his family's three generations long martial arts school named The Royal Taekwondo Academy started by his grandmother Nancy Fernandez. This inspired the quick and tactical combative approach in his illustrations.

In 8th grade he attended the Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts (BAVPA) fas a visual arts major, guided by art teachers Elizabeth Larrabee and Rachel Lyons. As a student at BAVPA, he was continuing the tradition of BAVPA as his parents, Magdalena Gil and Roberto Naheem Fernandez Baynes III met there as music majors. BAVPA feels like a second home to Roberto, and it is where he learned navigate local environments and personal history in a narrative settings.

During the summer he attended the New York State Summer School for the Arts program for 3 summers fostering a healthy artistic community under the guidance of Randy Williamson, Yayomi Asoma ,Christian Tribastone, and Nicholas Rispoli.

Eventually, this led to Roberto’s acceptance and enrollment into the prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology’s Fashion Illustration program. Roberto continued his education and exploration of visual arts and storytelling under such illustrator titans like William Low, Eric Velasquez, and Heyesu Lee. 

Afro-Caribbean Maximalist Futurist Illustrator 

Roberto considers himself an Afro-Caribbean Maximalist Futurist Illustrator. His  work draws from the cultural richness, resilience, and spirituality of his Puerto Rican and African-American heritage . He creates vivid, layered illustrations that blend ancestral memory with radical imagination, melding mythology, movement, and modernity into powerful imagery. 

Personal achievements

Mr. IV has been an artistic aid in four murals under the guidance of the artists Monet Alyssa and XIII the artist. He has been a part of the yearly NYSSSA staff show for several years. Mr. IV  is featured in the Albany Educational arts permanent gallery for his work as a nysssa student. Other artistic features include, the Art and design Gallery at FIT, the Good Stuff gallery, and El Museo.

What Now!

Mr. IV has been working on a 15 year long graphic novel expressing and biographical experience through fictional story telling. At the moment he is in the process of creating Lovesquadra Act 1: Hibernation’s end, an immersive art exhibition that incorporates 100 page graphic novel, tie in  zines, A musical album, one animation, opening and animation, closing, and a maze that leads to a colorful dance party. This is The beginning of a four act play that will be dissected over the different styles of illustration and narration. 

Contact Information

Number: (716)-261-6398

Email: iv.lovesquadra@gmail.com

Instagram: @iv.trabjar

Patricia V. O’Donnell BS Agronomy, BA Art, BFA Painting, Ed.M. TESOL

Patricia O’Donnell joined Los Artists del Barrio in 2022 and is an Art Teacher at PS 76, Herman Badillo Bilingual Academy. She is a practicing artist in her home studio, having trained formally both at SUNY Buffalo State and in her native Costa Rica. Her specialty is painting, Oils, Watercolors, mixed media as well as sculpture and ceramics.

Her Masters from SUNY at Buffalo is in TESOL, although she exceeded the required TESOL credit hours by taking all available courses in Early Childhood Education K-6 and Bilingual Education, Spanish. After earning her ED.M., Patricia returned to Buffalo State to earn her Art Education PTC certification K-12.

While a student at NCCC, Patricia was chosen by the Arts faculty to be Artist of the year for two consecutive years an Arts Fellowship under Dr. Lin Jiang for a multi-cultural exhibition at the college. She has also participated in local exhibitions.

Prior to emigrating to North America, Patricia was an agronomist in her native Costa Rica. She is also a licensed Cosmetologist, having worked in that field for several years in Eggertsville as well as in her home shop.

Patricia is a member on NYSATA and the Niagara Arts & Cultural Center (NACC).

Patricia resides in North Tonawanda with her husband Christopher, daughters Jossy and Falcon. She and Chris also have four other grown children and several grandchildren.

Julio (they/them/him/his) is the author of three chapbooks, latest being Those Who Pray to Rice (NightBallet Press, 2019). Julio was a guest editor for Mutata Re, Plurality Press, Portrait, Coffin Bell Journal, and co-founder of the late Cringe-Worthy Poets Collective. Their work has been published in Thimble Literary Magazine, Cavity, Bangor Literary Journal, and Aisthesis: The Interdisciplinary Honors Journal and more. Their work has been anthologized in Boricua en la Luna: An Anthology of Puerto Rican Voices, A Flash of Dark, Mansion, and My Next Heart: New Buffalo Poetry.

Aside from currently being a Poetry Editor for Variety Pack, Julio is pursuing a Master’s Degree in English Literature and working as a Teaching Artist at Just Buffalo Literary Center, all while working on their next project; a poetry caravan.

Send us an email at losartistasdelbarriobuffalo@gmail.com if you would like to become a member!

¡Envíenos un correo electrónico a losartistasdelbarriobuffalo-gmail.com si desea convertirse en miembro!