Gilroy’s Santiago Moreno began creating art just a couple of years ago as a way to overcome personal struggles at a difficult time in his life. Now, he hopes to inspire others by sharing dozens of his works with the community at an exhibition at the Gilroy Center for the Arts throughout the month of April.
Santiago, 21, said he started painting during the pandemic, when he was struggling with depression. He had never taken art classes nor received any formal instruction, but one night he picked up a canvas and began “pouring my heart out” with acrylic paint and brushes.
The personal impact he felt from completing his first painting was transformative and healing, he said.
“I was so tired of feeling depressed. After my first piece, I fell in love with the process and the outcome of the painting,” Moreno said. “I feel like it healed a part of my life.”
Since then, Moreno has not stopped painting. His exhibition, which will be on display at the downtown Gilroy arts center from April 1-30, features 70 paintings he has created during the past two years.
“It became part of me,” he said. “I need art to feel alive.”
The theme of Moreno’s upcoming exhibition is “Shine through it all,” and he hopes his art will convey a message of hope and positivity to others.
“The exhibition is to inspire young adults and people like me, and let them know they are enough and there are better ways of handling hard situations in life,” Moreno said. “And let the whole world know we’re in this together.”
Moreno, a Gilroy High School alumnus, paints in acrylic. Each of his paintings tells a different story, many of them reflecting the vibrant yet hearty scenes found in nature, humans and life. Moreno said his paintings are uniquely inspired by “music, life experiences and my daily life.”
He has already seen the impact of his work at a smaller exhibition of about 20 works he hosted in July, where some spectators found themselves overcome with emotion while viewing his paintings.
“Art is a way of communicating and speaking up about the things going on in the world,” Moreno added. “It’s really just about staying focused and following your dreams. Anything is possible.”
An artist’s reception is scheduled for 1-4pm April 5 at the Gilroy Center for the Arts. Attendees will have a chance to meet Moreno and view his art. Musician Michael Annotti will perform at the reception.
The Gilroy Center for the Arts is located at 7341 Monterey Road. The center is open 10am-2pm Tuesday; 1-4pm Wednesday through Friday; and 11am-4pm Saturday.
Art to inspire
The exhibition “Shine through it all,” featuring works by Gilroy artist Santiago Moreno, will be open at the Gilroy Center for the Arts from April 1-30. An artist’s reception is scheduled 1-4pm April 5. The Gilroy Center for the Arts is located at 7341 Monterey Road.
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