Photos

Rebecca Flores Photos

                             

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Rebecca Flores painting in her art gallery in Onset, MA.

 Rebecca Flores painting in her home-based studio.

                                                                                                                         

  

Rebecca Flores standing in front of her art in her studio. 

          

Rebecca Flores is pointing at one of her paintings at the studio.

                                            

Rebecca Flores and her paintings and poems

 

Puerto Rican artist and poet Rebecca Flores has painted and written poetry since age 10. She has transformed into the person she envisioned when she was young and what she hoped to be. Rebecca has long believed in the arts, education, and mental health. Life experience has been her common theme, using her family and children as her muse. Her body of work spans many years. Flores achieved one of her childhood dreams of owning and operating her own gallery in Onset, Massachusetts. Art lovers of all genres have long collected her works in the United States and throughout Puerto Rico. Flores melodically lectures and recites poetry during her art exhibits, while a mixture of her paintings, sculptures, poetry, quotations, and other works is beautifully displayed. This serves as her trademark and helps her continue healing others through Counseling, Expressive Arts, as a philanthropist, and her teaching and mentoring to women and disadvantaged youth. You can view her art at www.rebeccafloresartist.com.

Off The Shelf: A Puerto Rican Story of Poetry

 

Rebecca Flore's first book, Elements of Life-Elementos de Vida, is an autobiographical poetry collection. The artwork, design, and layout of each page were created by the author, who arranged the poems with both the English and Spanish versions side by side and sometimes twisted them together. “Spanish is such a romantic language. Even if you don’t understand it, you still can feel the warmth and rhythm of its flow. I dream, think, write, and speak English and Spanish. I cannot be one without the other. For you, there are both.”Her parents struggled with the English language. Their children were challenged to remain Puerto Rican and also be American. She grew up in between worlds. “To be raised in the Bronx gave me the courage to meet the unexpected. Who I am today is rooted in urban concrete. Life was tough and simultaneously wonderfully enchanting.” Our cover artist admits to being a born communicator and leads motivational workshops. “I aim to inspire every age, especially the young, to embrace life.” Rebecca founded Nattie’s Galleria, Inc. in Cranston and an art gallery in Onset, Mass. She owns and operates RFA Publications and hosts a public television show called Now’s the Time. Rebecca is also a member of the Governor's Commission on Hispanic Affairs and Rhode Island Commission on Women’s Cultural Pluralism and participates in many other community organizations. She has received countless awards, including the Rhode Island Senate's Outstanding Commitment & Community Service. A portion of the proceeds from Rebecca’s book will go directly to a scholarship fund benefiting high school seniors who are first-generation college-bound. 

Written by: 

Dionne Montgomery 06/2006

Nuyorican Artist

"Your Creative Mind is Life's Power"

"Tu Mente Creativa Es El Poder De La Vida"    

~Rebecca Flores~

Rebecca Flores, originally born Rebeca, is an internationally recognized visual artist, designer, art coach, author, poet, speaker, lecturer, and educator born in New York City on June 18, 1957. She grew up in the South Bronx and currently resides in Rhode Island. Rebecca has made significant contributions to her field of work. Flores identifies as a Nuyorican artist and poet. She has a solid educational background, including a master's degree in Psychology and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) in expressive arts. She is a Registered International Expressive Arts Therapist (REAT) clinician, teaching artist, mentor, and former TV Personality. Flores is also a Philanthropist, Art Facilitator, and Creator of the SerLieveTM Concept, which includes therapeutic encouragement art quotes, poetry, and designs.

In March 2008, her daughter's life was tragically cut short by teen violence, which led her to establish The Natasha Love Foundation, Unity through the Arts. The Foundation is a beautiful tribute to her daughter and supports young people in pursuing artistic dreams.

In 2010, the Francisco Oller Museo de Arte in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, hosted an exhibition entitled "Elements of Life" of her art and recognized her efforts. She spoke to scholars about violence and education and received a lot of respect and admiration from dignitaries. The people of her heritage applauded her after her uplifting speech in which she talked about the tragic loss of her daughter and how her son, Joshua Elijah Amado, encourages her with his blessings, strength, and courage. After her speech, a ribbon-cutting ceremony took place in her honor, with her son by her side.

It's heartwarming to know that her speech touched many hearts. She continues to inspire younger generations by working with high school students and underprivileged youth. She uses counseling, expressive arts, and poetry to enhance their physical, emotional, social, and psychological well-being. Her dedication to knowledge and wisdom in her culture, Puerto Rican literature, and mental health is truly inspiring.

Rebecca won the first prize for her art piece called "Romancing" at the Newport Art Museum in Newport, RI. Apart from being an artist, she has authored two poetry books, "Elements of Life" and "Poems to My Daughter - My Journey in Healing." Additionally, Rebecca has compiled a book of art quotes named "SerLieve Art Encouraging Quotes" and created blank note journals called "SerLieve Journal." These journals are designed to help individuals process their thoughts and emotions through inspirational journaling.

Rebecca's unwavering commitment to Puerto Rican literature, culture, and mental health is noteworthy. Her story is a testament to the indomitable resilience of the human spirit, serving as a reminder that even in the midst of tragic circumstances, we can bring healing and hope to those around us.