CALEXICO — Jinx Rivera smiled proudly as she stood next to her stunning creative interpretation of The Bride of Frankenstein, done completely in blue and gray hues with small cylindrical Lego pieces.

She is one of the 78 artists who submitted their work for display at the “Creative Young Minds” exhibit in Calexico this past Tuesday, May 7, at the Carmen Durazo Cultural Arts Center. There were 93 pieces of art in total on display, all from young artists across the Imperial Valley.

The 21-year-old Rivera, who is from Brawley and attends Imperial Valley College, has participated in several art shows already, creating new pieces each time. She said she was inspired to try Legos this time by reminiscing on her childhood, when she used to play and create with them, keeping herself and her hands busy.

This time around it took her one week to complete this particular variation of “The Bride,” with a side profile, showing her gray streaks of hair. Rivera thinks this is her subject’s most iconic look. However, she has done many other angles.

The event kicked off with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting of the exhibit, done by Calexico Recreation Department manager Norma Gerardo and her staff, including several of the young artists. City Council members Gloria Romo and Camilo Garcia were in attendance and congratulated all the young artists on their achievements and their work.

Marissa Bowie, age 16 and a student at Calexico High School, painted a piece entitled “Finally the Sun Settles.” It is an acrylic on canvas, and this is her second exhibit. She said the art piece “is a representation of life out here — the tiredness after a long day. When the sun sets, it is a release of the heat and an end to the day’s work.”

Her father, Derwin Bowie, is fully supportive of his daughter’s artistic endeavors, saying she has a “natural talent” and that she is currently refining her art skills. He enjoyed seeing his daughter’s work on display, along with her classmates.

One of those classmates was Jose Ramirez, a senior at Calexico High School, who came out to the art show with his girlfriend. “I’m just interested in the art,” he said. “My friends are in the class, so I came to support them. I like to draw, too.”

Melany Sanchez, also a senior at Calexico High, came out to see the art of her friends. “It’s interesting. I recognize the names and the people we see in school. I never knew they had this talent!”

One such talented artist is Eva Ramirez, a junior at Calexico. She drew an art piece entitled, “Deadpool having Fun,” which depicts the heroic character Deadpool atop a spring rider, rocking back and forth in a playground. She said this image represents “how I never really got the entertainment that I wanted as a kid.” It reminds her of her sister, Cecelia, gaming, and just having fun in general.

Community Services Commission Chairperson Patricia Ureña was also there to support the students and appreciate the art. “As I’m going through all the pictures, I think they are very impressive. The fact that they can articulate meaning through their art, and tell a story — that is impressive.”

Jesus Martinez was equally impressed with the students’ artwork. “It’s a great program. It’s something different, and it brings out their creativity.” His son Michael, age 14, displayed his work as part of a recyclable art mural project with his class. It depicted the many different parts of a local landscape using only recyclable cardboard and paint.

City Council member Garcia was excited to welcome everyone to the art exhibit. He said he believes the Carmen Durazo center “is a space for (young artists) to express themselves, and to come together. It’s an opportunity to see lots of artists and families get together. I love seeing this!

“One of the things that are special about this type of event is that it’s open to everyone, including our special needs population,” Garcia added. “We want to be inclusive to everyone.”

Eduardo Quintero, Cultural Arts Center coordinator, wanted to invite the community out to enjoy the exhibit, which will run for two weeks, until May 16. He said the next art show will take place sometime during the summer and will be a mixture of art exhibit and talent performances.

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