User:Fersep/Grace Barraza-Vega

Grace Barraza-Vega (1955- Present) is a teacher and a contemporary artist known for depicting the lives of Chicanos with an emphasis on the lives of women.[1]

Biography
Grace Barraza-Vega was born in Durango, Mexico, but when she was young she moved to Corpus Christi, Texas. [1] Barraza-Vega later graduated from Homer Hanna High School. [1] She then was a student at Bossier Community College and in 2001 received a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi in fine art. [1] Ten years later, Vega went back to Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi to earn a Master degree in fine art for painting.[1] Later, Barraza-Vega became a teacher at Gregory-Portland High where she taught her students art.[3]

Art
El Vato Louie

With her work Vega hopes to celebrate the lives of Chicanos while also demonstrating experiences that she has been through. In this work she depicts a “vato” in his car drinking a beer to capture the essence of some Chicano males. [2]

Stamp Project: “Love Music”

This was a project in which Vega drew an image that she believed was worthy of depicting her contributions to the Community as a Chicana artist. [4]

Con Mi Changuito

In this piece Vega painted a mom and her monkey in the form of calaveras (skulls). The style is representative of the Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) style of drawing skulls. They are both seen with flowers on their foreheads and cigarettes between their teeth. With this piece, she celebrated her heritage and gives power to women.[1]