Gene Flores Los Caballeros Intaglio and handwork, 2010

Now on exhibit through April 14 in the lobby of El Centro Milagro is Gene Flores, the artist who also designed the art card for our current production of Jardín de Sueños! We’re thrilled to be able to show you more of his work in person at the theatre and online via his website. Plus, if you see something you like in the lobby, a portion of your purchase will also benefit the theatre!

«All my works are self-portraits and are greatly influenced by literature, music and everyday activities,» says Gene in his artist statement. «My images have been described as humorous, insightful, and disturbing. Many of my works are playful thoughts to my reaction of the world around me, with mythological creatures and a combination of human and animal characters (logic and instinct) playing a vital role. I view my works as a window to another world with reoccurring characters and themes that tiptoes between surreal and absurd. When making art, I play the role of the viewer and try to capture a glimpse into this strange world, a world where anything is possible and where anything can, and often does, happen.»

Gene Flores El Jardín de Sueños Hand-colored etching, 2011

Gene was born and raised in El Paso, Texas. The youngest of eight, he graduated with a BFA from the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP).  He then received a fellowship to attend the University of Iowa where he received his MA and MFA with honors in printmaking.

After graduating Iowa he returned to El Paso where he soon became the Gallery Director as well as teaching basic drawing courses at UTEP. After three years he moved from El Paso and returned to Iowa City.  Gene taught a life drawing course at the University of Iowa, while at the same time, was hired as a preparator at the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  A year later Gene moved to Portland, Oregon where he met his wife and became a part-time art instructor at Portland Community College as well as Clackamas Community College.

Gene was hired full-time at Portland Community College in 2005 where he continues to teach life drawing, basic drawing and printmaking courses.  Gene Flores and his wife  live in Washington state.