Page 7 - The Shores of Jupiter - February '23

The Shores, Page 7
Mexican-Born Painter Leon Ruiz Selected As The 38th

ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival Commemorative Poster Artist

Inspired by Florida’s landscape and energy, this year’s “The colorful and playful palm trees in the painting
ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival commemorative poster artist represent the energy that you find created by the
Leon Ruiz has created a painting titled Palm Beach people that live here. Florida has residents from
Gardens for ArtiGras which reflects the joy and passion all over the world, who bring so much flavor to the
of living in the sunshine state. state,” said Ruiz, who has been a professional artist
for over 30 years. “The boats are a hint of all the fun
extracurriculars Florida has to offer. You can scuba,
swim, sail, kayak and so on. There is so much to do
in this lovely state that you can’t do it in just one
season. The painting wouldn’t be the same without the
sailboats representing the action that Florida waters
see every day.”
Born in Mexico City as the youngest of six
children, Ruiz comes from a long line of artists
who have influenced his passion for painting. His
grandfather painted murals that can be found on the
ceilings in large, Mexican cathedrals. His uncle, Leon
Martinez Torres, collected antiques and historical art
pieces which Ruiz liked to study. But it was his cousin,
Arturo Ruiz Moncada, who had the greatest influence on
Leon’s artform. Moncada restored paintings and created
murals in the Sistine Chapel.
“It wasn’t so much his style of work that made Arturo
my biggest influence. It was that he was able to work on
such breathtaking projects and become such an incredible
artist,” said Ruiz, who earned a Master of Fine Arts from
the Academy of Art University in San Francisco after
being a painter for more than 30 years. “As an artist and
parent, I share the stories of Arturo with my family so
that he will inspire future generations to keep on going
and keep on believing that anything is possible.”
You will be able to meet Ruiz at the 38th ArtiGras
Fine Arts Festival presented by Hanley Foundation and
produced by Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce.
The festival will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Feb. 18 to
19, at the Gardens North County District Park in Palm
Beach Gardens.
“I am honored and thrilled to be ArtiGras’
commemorative poster artist this year. ArtiGras is such
a unique and memorable show. It has years of history and
being part of the list of talented poster artists for such an
incredible show is humbling,” said Ruiz, who has been the
poster artist for two other art shows. “This is my second
year showing in ArtiGras. I had applied for years and was
never fortunate enough to get picked. It was definitely
worth the wait.”
ArtiGras showcases a juried exhibition of outstanding
fine art along with activities which include artist and chef
demonstrations, the Baptist Heath Youth Art Competition
z Gallery and the Amazon ArtiKids Zone. Tickets are only $15
per day with advance purchase and children 12 and under
are free. More information can be found at artigras.org.
About Hanley Foundation
Hanley Foundation combats substance use disorders
within our communities by raising awareness and
providing education through quality substance use
prevention programming in schools and communities in
Palm Beach and 21 other counties within Florida. Hanley
Foundation is dedicated to working alongside community
partners to promote healthy lifestyles and to positively
influence attitudes, norms, and values by empowering
individuals and families while helping supply need-based
treatment scholarships to individuals with demonstrated
% needs in Palm Beach County.
About Palm Beach North Chamber Of Commerce

of the largest and most active business organizations
10 OFF The Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce is one
in Southeast Florida. Serving businesses in the 10
municipalities that make up Palm Beach North, the
chamber fosters a partnership of private, public,
OFFER EXPIRES MAR 10TH
educational and civic organizations working together
to ensure Palm Beach North is Florida’s “Prosperity
Coast.” The chamber’s four strategic imperatives are: A
prosperous economy, high quality of life for all residents,
a smart and connected region, and regional leadership.
For more information visit: www.pbnchamber.com.

dr. elixir's drink-ory garden
opens 1 hour prior to showtime