EMOTIONART: COMMUNITY PROJECTS
“Arts in the Parks: Alebrijes In Dentonia Park “.
Emotionart presented a four-week alebrijes workshop at Dentonia Park, followed by a joyful day of celebration, as part of this summer’s Arts in the Parks programming.
Together, we built a large community alebrije, while participants also have the chance to create and take home their own fantastic creatures, or paint their papier mache masks inspired by alebrijes.
This project was made possible with the generous support of the Toronto Arts Council, through the Toronto Arts Foundation and Arts in the Parks.
More information:https://aglcreativestudio.com/arts-in-the-parks…
“Mentorship in CDMX and with Master Leonardo Linares, grandson of Pedro Linares, the creator of the Alebrijes”.
Thanks to the support of the Canada Council for the Arts, I had two transformative professional development experiences this year.
A two-week intensive learning with Master Leonardo Linares, grandson of the original Alebrijes creator, who generously shared traditional techniques and cultural insights of the “cartoneria”, papier-mache.
where I learned about the original and old-fashioned way to make alebrijes with cardboard, just like Master Pedro Linares created. The experience was so enriching, and I also got to know a bit about Linares’ family.
“Artist’s residency and Cultura exchange in Quimbaya, Quindio, Colombia.”
First, a 10-day residency with Muse Arts in Quimbaya, Colombia, where 15 artists exchanged knowledge and created a community mural at the historic Willys Station.
Both experiences deepened my connection to community and cultural art.
A woman and creator
Ana Gabriela Lopez Castro is a Mexican visual artist based in Toronto’s East End. Her artistic journey began in 2000 with photography and printmaking—two media that helped her discover her voice and creative expression.
Deeply rooted in Mexican folk traditions, Ana Gabriela is best known for her handcrafted alebrijes—vibrant, fantastical creatures made from papier-mâché. Through her work, she honours her cultural heritage and reflects her deep love for nature and community.
She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Visual Arts from the Faculty of Arts and Design at UNAM in Mexico City and an Advanced Diploma in Graphic Design from Centennial College in Toronto.
Since 2013, Ana Gabriela has been an active collaborator with Muse Arts, contributing to diverse community arts projects across the city. In 2019, she founded Emotionart Collective, a community arts group dedicated to delivering intergenerational workshops in Toronto Community Housing buildings. What began as a project to help seniors overcome isolation has since grown into a vibrant platform that uses art to rebuild and strengthen community connections.
“My body of work is inspired by Mexican folk art, colourful, diverse and rich”.
