MEET THE CURATORS

Omar Bravo, or more commonly known as “Hungry,” is a 23-year-old Mexican-American artist originally born in Garden Grove, California, who currently lives in Springdale, Arkansas.“Hungry” is known for his psychedelic use of bright colors and imagery, bringing in influence from graffiti, the rave scene, video games, and fashion. These influences help create a mesmerizing world of color that invites the viewers to play in while capturing the wondrous, child-like affinity for things that glow. He is a self-taught artist in drawing, digital art, painting, screen printing, and sewing. Throughout the past several years, he has participated in the art scene in NWA, from painting murals to curating local events and art galleries in Springdale, Arkansas. His motivation is to create a space that brings forth art and artists that aren’t afraid to go against the grain and don’t readily conform to the norms of traditional art.

Marcela Rojas-Perez is a first-generation Chicanx born and raised in Northwest Arkansas. As both an artist and long-time community member of this region, they have been able to find ways to incorporate their love for the arts and people in their roles as a community healthcare worker for UAMS and Inservice mentor for TASC. Through their artistry and work, they have often bore witness to the beauty and strength that come with connecting art and community. They hope to continue building that connection in their future endeavors.

Preston Poindexter moved to Arkansas from Memphis, Tennessee, and attended the University of Arkansas on a full-ride scholarship with which he studied both Computer Science and Marketing. At the age of 18, Preston began writing and recording songs for local artists in the Northwest Arkansas region in-between his studies. Preston is an aspiring model and has been featured in the INTERFORM (formerly known as Arkansas Arts & Fashion Forum’s) nationally recognized #GetYourMaskOn campaign that has reached over 20,000 individuals virtually. His love of the fine arts has placed him as not only a musician and model but also as an award-winning member of the National Speech and Debate Association. As the youngest member of the INTERFORM team, he is continually searching for new and creative ways to enhance the artistic community, not only in Arkansas but in the country as a whole. /// As a fulltime employee of INTERFORM and as the participant in this program, Preston will act as a point of contact for curatorial cohort members, will help with administrative needs of the cohort, and will help troubleshoot event details and programming as the project develops.