Art & Life with Migdalia Quintana

Today we’d like to introduce you to Migdalia Quintana.

Migdalia, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I am a Puerto Rican artist and writer living in Oak Park, Illinois for about 4 years. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Marine Biology. Also, I’m a calligrapher, professional photographer, professor, and public speaker. Author of the book Cuando el Corazón Pinta (When the Heart Paints), which is a collection of some of my works of art, reflections, poetry and life lessons for lovers of art and inspirational reading.

For 18 years I was dedicated to professional photography and in 2000, became the President of the Federation of Wedding Photographers of Puerto Rico, FFBPR, the same organization which awarded me a degree of Master Photographer for my achievements in photographic competitions. In the year 2003 I won the Prism Master award, being the only award given in this category of the competition. In 2006 I closed my photo studio. It is never too late to go after your dreams, so in 2009, at 47 years old I started taking painting classes. Went to Art League of Old San Juan in Puerto Rico along with private classes with other art teachers. Already in 2010, I began to exhibit my artworks in art centers, libraries, universities and in the Capitol (Congress) of Puerto Rico.

In November 2014, I moved to Oak Park, a place where art is felt and breathed. The following year I had my first art exhibition in the gallery of the Oak Park Public Library, Illinois. Last year I exhibited some of my works at the Richard M. Daley Library in Chicago on the Hispanic Heritage Month. Currently, I’m on the development of new works and deciding to continue sharing my art.

Can you give our readers some background on your art?
Mostly are acrylics paintings. My artwork is framed in figurative art to reflect my dreams, passions and life experience but not as a way to describe pain but seeking to exploit from the colors my ability to convey peace, intrigue and emotion. My paintings are usually exhibited along with my writings. My message is: exalt the mind of the spectator and to raise his/her gaze to a dimension in which the worldly becomes secondary and the invisible becomes true, abiding and desired.

What would you recommend to an artist new to the city, or to art, in terms of meeting and connecting with other artists and creatives?
Facebook has different closed and open group of artists. I have been able to meet other artists through these pages. Also, Instagram.

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
Through art exhibitions. Instagram, Facebook: Zion Fine Arts. www.migdaliaquintana.com (still in construction)

Contact Info:

• Address: Oak Park, IL
• Website: https://www.migdaliaquintana.com
• Phone: 708-834-0303
• Email: pintoramigdalia@gmail.com
• Instagram: @pintoramigdalia
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zionfinearts

Image Credit:
Migdalia Quintana, Carlos Quintana

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