Human Relations: Art by Rafiq Majeed and Marisa Skelpsa-Muñoz

Rafiq Majeed and Marisa Skelpsa-Muñoz present “Human Relations” a study of people through clay and paint. Rafiq's paintings and clay work capture a moment frozen in time, telling a story about what happened before and after the captured moment. "Working with clay is part of my cultural history. I am from Iraq, where the potter's wheel was first used in the ancient Sumerian civilization. The ancient cultures said, "God created humans from clay." So it was one of my dreams to do something of clay." Rafiq studied ceramics and glass arts at Glendale Community College and has exhibited his work at galleries throughout the valley. Marisa paints fiercely and tenderly. Her palette is vibrant, and her paintings vibrate with emotion. She is moved by the intrinsic connection between the joys and pains of our bodies and this land. As a queer, mixed-race Chicana, Marisa uses "evocative imagery and a color palette that cackles in the face of shame and repression." An exciting emerging artist refining her painting skills as a Phoenix College student since 2019 and a featured visual artist at the 2025 Desperado LGBTQ+ Film Festival in Phoenix. WHAT: Human Relations: Art by Rafiq Majeed and Marisa Skelpsa-Muñoz PLUS: Live Music by @VintageClothes_Experience WHEN: First Friday reception, February 7th 2025, 6:00pm - 9:00pm WHERE: Olney Gallery at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral 100 W. Roosevelt St. Phoenix, AZ 85003 (Free parking garage available for guests!) COST: Free EXHIBIT DURATION: February 3rd to February 27th BUSINESS HOURS: Monday - Thursday, 9:00am - 3:00pm Friday by appointment Sunday - 8:00am - 12:00pm Closed on Holidays CONTACT: Olney Gallery Director Manny Burruel (623) 826-9912, olneygallery@gmail.com