Julio Valdez

I am a full-time visual artist and educator working on painting, printmaking, curatorial projects and murals. I have been living in DC since late 2006 and have been part of the board of artists organizations like DC Art Studios. My most recent curatorial project was the exhibition Resilience & Uncertainty, for the DC Commission on the Arts And Humanities. My most recent solo show was Julio Valdez: Mapping the Layers, at the OAS Art Museum of the Americas. My vision for this grant is to create a mural at the Alley by the Atlas Theater on H Street with the theme of Unity and Peace in DC, incorporating images of water as a metaphor for consciousness and the creative process. I also want to offer a Non-toxic Monotype printmaking workshop for the children in the area, in collaboration with the H Street Country Club. There is a 10' x 10' wall available and I can get started very soon since I already have permission! I need to spend over $600 in good quality supplies, another $300 in wall prep and pay $450 to my assistant. I will only get paid $650 for labor, since I will be donating my design.