We recently connected with Crystal Garcia and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Crystal thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

One of the most meaningful projects I had the opportunity to be part of was an art exhibition organized by GoneMIA. They are a grassroots organization that strives to bring environmental awareness and positive change to Miami through the power of art. This project was near and dear to my heart because the environment is something I care a lot about and the organization is also based in my hometown of Hialeah. This group exhibition contained works by Hialeah artists and it was all about hometown pride and bringing awareness to environmental protection. I painted several scenes around Hialeah and imagined them flooding due to sea level rise including Hialeah City Hall and the Hialeah entrance on Okeechobee Road. Chris Medina, the founder of GoneMIA, also commissioned me to paint several pieces for the exhibition: the homes of the Hialeah commissioners and the Mayor of Hialeah’s home. The opening reception was on Earth Day and was well attended. The following month Chris and I attended the Hialeah Council meeting and presented the artworks to the commissioners and the mayor. Chris made a powerful speech in hopes that this would encourage some environmental action from our elected officials.

Crystal, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am multidisciplinary visual artist born and raised in Miami, FL. I attended Florida International University where I earned a BA in History and Minor in Art as well as an MA in History. I use various media in my work but prefer acrylic paint, watercolor, and markers. My work is often very colorful and I am heavily influenced by my travels and the tropical surroundings of South Florida. I have been creating art most of my life and my parents were always very supportive. The first time I tried to put myself out there was when I approached Pati Vargas who organizes Viernes Culturales in Little Havana. She was the first person in the art world that believed in me. I displayed my art in Little Havana at several events and from there I’ve met other people and received more opportunities. My work has been exhibited in several local venues including Milander Center for Arts and Entertainment, Unbranded Brewing in The Leah Arts District, and Futurama Galleries in Little Havana.
I think what sets me apart from others is that I’m always experimenting with my art. I love to create all kinds of art! My style is hard to define because I love to try out new mediums. I am most proud of how far I’ve come with my art. When I was younger, I never thought I would have several art exhibitions.
I am open for commissions and I’ve always wanted to paint a mural so that’s my next big goal. If anyone is looking for a muralist, please send me a message!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I think the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is sharing my art with the world. I love inspiring people and making them smile. Another rewarding aspect is making commissions. I love bringing someone’s vision to life. Seeing their reaction to what I’ve created always fills me with joy.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

The best advice I can give is to put yourself out there. Whenever I’m at an art exhibition or art festival, I always try to meet as many people as possible. I ask them to follow me and then I follow them back. I used to be a very shy person and sometimes I still feel shy but the hardest step is the first step. The more you put yourself out there, the easier it gets.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/Artistcrystalg
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artist.crystalg/
• Other: https://ko-fi.com/artistcrystalg/shop

Image Credits
Anthony Neyra Erin Heffron