The art world looks down on paintings on velvet. The images conjured by the phrase “velvet art” might be things like children with big eyes, or Elvis Presley. A Lansing art gallery is challenging the notion that this is low-brow art. Casa de Rosado is hosting an exhibition called “Black Velvet, a Rasquache Aesthetic” through February 3rd.
WKAR’s Scott Pohl took a tour with owner Theresa Rosado and the exhibit’s curator, Diana Rivera.
Rosado explains that rasquache is an approach taken by many Mexican painters, making something beautiful out of what's being discarded. "The black velvet provided a medium different from canvas that would normally be used," she continues, "and it created some beautiful and surprising results."
"We have local artists in the show," says Rivera. "There's also an artist from Massachusetts that volunteered to privide a piece for this exhibit." In all, there are works from ten states, Canada and Mexico.
Casa de Rosado is open on weekends, and on weekdays by appointment.
There's an opening reception Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m., and black velvet clothing is encouraged.