NewswireTODAY - /newswire/ - Tampa, FL, United States, 2010/02/09 - Artist, Elio Lopez will unveil his seventh public work, a mural, commissioned for the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County on February 18, at the KidzCreate! Pubic Art Gallery.

The nine-foot mural with abstract elements titled, “Divergence Parachute,” communicates a message of diversity and acceptance to children in Hillsborough County. Lopez worked directly with hundreds of children ages 5 to 15, throughout Tampa Bay to create the work of art that is made up of the children’s original mini-collages and the artist’s painting of children with parachutes dropping from the sky.

“A collage is an artistic arrangement of materials that can evoke a wide variety of emotions and is a form of art in which any child can succeed,” says Lopez. “A collage also highlights diversity and makes it beautiful; I want children to see the beauty in diversity both in art and in individuals.”

A tireless experimenter, Lopez’s avant-garde style brings art to new platforms and breaks old stereotypes of how art should be interpreted. Using the latest technology and tools, Lopez’s art is best described as a mix of postmodernism combined with modernism, making him one of the foremost Integral Artists that is truly breaking new ground and attracting the next generation of art lovers.

This is the third commissioned piece Lopez has produced for the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County, recognized nationally for its contributions to best practices in policies and programs aiding the wellbeing of children and families. It’s KidzCreate! Public Art Gallery is one of the only area programs that partners with professional artists and children to create large public art works that tour pubic buildings throughout Hillsborough County.

Lopez’s mural is available to tour later this month. The artist hopes that the mural can be displayed in various public schools throughout the Tampa Bay area.

“So many children never have the opportunity to go to a museum and experience art,” says Lopez. “My hope with this mural is that it will come to children in our community and be a symbol of diversity and acceptance, breaking down barriers and making art accessible to anyone.”

The unveiling of Lopez’s mural, “Divergence Parachute,” will take place during an open public reception on Thursday, February 18, from 5:30-7:30 pm, at Children’s Board of Hillsborough County’s KidzCreate! Public Art Gallery in historic Ybor City (1002 East Palm Ave). Light refreshments will be provided at this free event.

For more information about Children’s Board of Hillsborough County and KidzCreate! Public Art Gallery visit childrensboard.org. For more information on Elio Lopez, or to contact the artist directly visit arteespanol.us/.

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