FALL RIVER – After a dedicated 30-year career as an elementary teacher with the Fall River Public Schools, Filomena Botelho has embraced retirement with newfound enthusiasm for her artistic endeavors. Her passion for creating acrylic paintings and mixed media artworks featuring rope, shells, glass beads, and other materials has blossomed.
Botelho’s vibrant works will be showcased in an exhibit titled ‘Bloom’ from July 5 to 28 at The Ignition Space, located at 44 Troy St, Unit 2 in Fall River. This exhibit is presented by the Fall River Arts and Culture Coalition (FRACC).
“Art has always been a part of my life,” Botelho shared with O Jornal. “Being retired has enabled me to nurture my creative soul and has granted me more opportunities to be involved with others who have similar interests.”
Known as ‘Menita’ in the art world, Botelho’s collection includes about 55 pieces, many inspired by her Portuguese heritage and her childhood in São Miguel, Azores. Since moving to Fall River at age 12, she has maintained a deep connection with her birthplace, which is reflected in her art.
“My love of different cultures and diversity has inspired many of my art pieces, but my art related to Portugal speaks to me the most,” Botelho explained. Her recent $2,000 grant from the Fall River Arts and Culture Coalition enabled her to bring this exhibit to life at FRACC’s Ignition Space.
Though she favors acrylic painting, Botelho enjoys experimenting with various media and subjects. “I like spreading my wings. I experiment with everything,” she said.
Botelho’s journey in art began in her childhood in the Azores, where she spent countless hours drawing and painting. Despite starting an art degree, life’s complexities led her to earn a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Boston University and a master’s degree in Portuguese Studies from Brown University.
“As a Bilingual and English-as-a-Second-Language Teacher, art was a powerful tool to help my students process and understand our world,” she noted.
Botelho finds exploring her creative side both exciting and therapeutic. “By exploring and connecting with it, you not only develop a better understanding of who you are but also a deeper connection and appreciation of the world,” she said.
The community is invited to celebrate Botelho’s work at the opening reception of ‘Bloom’ on Friday, July 12, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at The Ignition Space. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the colors and culture captured in Botelho’s beautiful creations.
Check out the article in O Jornal and don’t miss the opening reception on Friday, July 12th, from 6 PM to 8 PM, and join us in celebrating the vibrant work of this talented artist!
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