Addison Center for the Arts presents “Children of the Sun”, an art exhibition by Jose F. Zavala

Addison Center for the Arts will present “Children of the Sun”, an art exhibition by Jose F. Zavala.

 

The “Children of the Sun” art exhibition will be held October 10 – November 3, 2012, at the Addison Center for the Arts Gallery, 213 N. Lombard Road, annexed to ATHS. Door #4. Admission is free.

Gallery hours are Wednesday – Saturday from 12 noon to 4 p.m.

Web: http://www.addisoncenterforthearts.com

Private showings: by appointment only call 630-317-4371

Artist Statement: Jose F. Zavala

 jfzavala@comcast.net

Jose F. Zavala was born on December 18, 1971 in the small border town of Roma, Texas. Soon after that, his family moved to the Southwest side of Chicago in the neighborhood known as Pilse. During the 80’s & 90’s, Pilsen prove to be a challenging venue for Jose to grow up in. His art would give him the escape he often needed from the realities of this world.

Jose survived the life of gangs, drug addiction, gunfire and he eventually became homeless. On the verge of death he chose not to give up, but to turn his life around, and use his struggles to enrage the flames of creativity in his artwork.

Today, Jose has become an outstanding citizen in his community, and has chosen to give back by donating some of his work to such charities as Red Dress, Love 164, and Buy Art Not People; Organization helping victims of Human Trafficking and Sex Slave Trades.

Jose is married with 3 children. He and wife Rachel Currently reside in Villa Park, IL. Jose has no formal training in art, yet he continues to create bright and colorful pieces that compare to none. Jose Zavala would sum up his life with the statement below.

“I can only hope that people will focus on my bright colors So they may never see my dark past”

Jose F. Zavala