Art, Migration, and Connection — with Adriana Contreras

Adriana Contreras Correal is a visual artist, graphic recorder and illustrator. She was born in Bogotá, Colombia and immigrated to BC with her family in 1998, at the age of fifteen. Artistic expression has always been a central part of Adriana's life and became an essential tool for navigating the world as a first-generation immigrant. Adriana completed her BFA at SFU School for the Contemporary Arts in 2006 and has worked and volunteered in numerous local Arts and Community organizations for 20 years. Highlights include SFU Galleries, New Performance Works Society, SFU Woodwards' Cultural programs, SFU Health and Counselling, Vancouver Latin American Cultural Centre, Collingwood Neighbourhood House, Vancouver Latin American Film Festival, the Burnaby and Vancouver Art Galleries.In 2018 Adriana was selected as one of two Community Scholars with the organization Drawing Change. This outstanding opportunity allowed her to bring together her knowledge and passion for visual language and communication, her work in migrant justice, health, and community building, and her desire to expand her artistic practice. Adriana is now a full-time Graphic Recorder, Illustrator and Designer, working independently and as a proud team member of Drawing Change, Fuselight Creative and On the Right Mind.