EL PATIO DE MI CASA

We are honored to welcome Martyr as one of the Spring/Summer 2026 Residents at La Casita de Bambú 🌿✨ Arriving this June, Martyr will be in residence developing a new body of work rooted in research and collaboration with some of our region’s most vital cultural institutions, including the Allentown Art Museum and Lehigh University Art Galleries. Through this process, they will engage deeply with archives, collections, and community narratives to expand their evolving interdisciplinary practice. As part of their community impact, Martyr will also be participating in and supporting the Second Freedom’s Runway—a powerful celebration at the Allentown Art Museum that honors the intersection of LGBTQ+ Pride and Juneteenth through performance, fashion, and collective expression. About the Artist Martyr is the 2025–2026 Untitled Art Star of the Brooklyn drag scene, whose work explores identity, imperfection, and the temporary nature of self through photography and performance. They hold a Master’s degree in Museum Studies with a focus on archival work, informing a practice grounded in cultural memory and the tension between preservation and loss. As an agender artist, Martyr approaches selfhood as fluid and ever-shifting. Their work blends chemical alteration, analog processes, and intentional image distortion to question beauty, preservation, and self-perception. What began as documentation of drag performance has evolved into a broader investigation of identity and decay. Martyr is a regular performer at Bushwig and has participated in local group exhibitions and collaborations with Them Magazine. They are currently expanding their practice into video-based work, continuing to explore how queer narratives are shaped, recorded, and transformed. We can’t wait to welcome Martyr into our space and community this June 💫 #LaCasitaDeBambu #ArtistResidency #FreedomRunway #Juneteenth #LGBTQArt #AllentownArts #QueerArt #ArtResidency #CommunityArt

We are pleased to welcome Daniel Djuro-Goiricelaya to Biolumina as part of our 2026 Special Projects program. Born in Venezuela and based in Pennsylvania, Daniel is an American interdisciplinary artist of Cuban and Russian descent whose multidisciplinary practice moves between painting, installation, and performance. His work is deeply connected to color, memory, emotion, and the transformative possibilities of play. During his time in Vieques, Daniel will develop new work while also engaging with the local community through a creative activity with students from Escuela Elemental Manuela Santiago Collazo. We look forward to the energy, sensitivity, and imagination he will bring to the island this May. — Nos alegra dar la bienvenida a Daniel Djuro-Goiricelaya a Biolumina como parte de nuestro programa de Special Projects 2026. Nacido en Venezuela y basado en Pennsylvania, Daniel es un artista estadounidense de ascendencia cubana y rusa cuya práctica multidisciplinaria se mueve entre la pintura, la instalación y el performance. Su trabajo está profundamente conectado con el color, la memoria, la emoción y las posibilidades transformadoras del juego. Durante su tiempo en Vieques, Daniel desarrollará nuevo trabajo y también se vinculará con la comunidad local a través de una actividad creativa con estudiantes de la Escuela Elemental Manuela Santiago Collazo. Nos entusiasma la energía, sensibilidad e imaginación que traerá a la isla este mes de mayo.

Last night, our halls were glowing—not just with light, but with imagination, collaboration, and the voices of our students ✨ We proudly unveiled a collective art installation created by all the students of Arts Academy Elementary Charter School during our Glow Night—an immersive celebration of creativity inspired by the earlier visit of international artist Pau Quintanajornet as part of her residency at La Casita de Bambú. What unfolded was more than an installation—it was a living, breathing reflection of what happens when young minds are invited to dream alongside working artists. Every piece carried the echoes of Pau’s practice: bold, organic, playful, and deeply connected to nature and community. Pau, thank you for the profound impact you’ve had on our students and our wider community. Your presence reminded us that art is not just something we create—it is something we share, build, and grow together. Experiences like this reaffirm how essential it is to open doors for artists to engage with educational institutions—not as visitors, but as collaborators. Through co-creation and the co-implementation of arts-integrated learning, we create spaces where education becomes alive, relevant, and transformative. This is what it looks like when a school becomes a studio, a community becomes a canvas, and learning becomes a work of art 🎨

What a truly delightful and inspiring experience it was to be at this special @allentownsymphony event, celebrating new works by contemporary composers alongside members of the orchestra and a beautiful performance by @michaelktoday This evening was made even more meaningful by its setting at Resurrected Life Church—a space rich with history, where the Liberty Bell was once hidden. To gather there, surrounded by music and community, felt like a full-circle moment of past and present meeting through the arts. One of the highlights for me was the piece by @jorgeveraviolin , the current Musician-in-Residence at the Symphony. His work resonated deeply and stood as a powerful reminder of the importance of uplifting living composers and new voices. This concert also marks something larger—the continued commitment of the Symphony to activate “third spaces” throughout our community, bringing music beyond traditional venues and into shared, meaningful places where people can gather, reflect, and celebrate together. Grateful to be part of a community that continues to honor history while creating space for new stories to be heard. Learn more about the event here: /news/area/lehighvalley/lehigh-county/allentown-area/allentown-symphony-orchestra-holds-second-america-250-concert/article_4da4665a-98ce-476b-a68e-2f828e280854.html

Relentless Motion, indeed. ✨🎶 Tonight’s concert with the Lehigh Valley Chamber Orchestra was a powerful reminder of how music can move both body and spirit. Under the direction of Music Director Nikhil Bartolomeo, the program beautifully wove together the timeless intensity of Beethoven with the hypnotic, ever-evolving textures of Philip Glass—two composers, centuries apart, united by motion, energy, and transformation. The pre-concert talk offered a deeper glimpse into the intention behind the program, enriching the listening experience and inviting us to engage not just as audience members, but as active participants in the journey of sound. Grateful for spaces like this that bring our community together through music, reflection, and shared experience. 🎻 To learn more about LVCO and how to support their incredible work in our community, visit their website. #LVCO #RelentlessMotion #LehighValleyArts #LiveMusic #Beethoven #PhilipGlass #CommunityThroughArt #ArtsIntegration #MusicMatters

Today we gathered once again at the @artyardcenter for our third workshop in preparation for the Aqualumina Festival—and what a magical, whimsical experience it was ✨ Led by the incredible artist Kristin Spencer today’s session invited us into a world of imagination as we created our own Melting Icebergs fascinators ❄️🌊. Through playful experimentation and creative exploration, we transformed simple materials into wearable pieces that speak to climate, fragility, and beauty. There was something so special about watching each person interpret the idea in their own way—tiny worlds of melting, shifting, glowing forms resting gently atop our heads. More than anything, today was about community. About laughter, curiosity, and the joy of making alongside one another. These moments remind me that art is not just what we create, but how we come together in the process 💙 We’re building something truly meaningful as we move closer to the Aqualumina Festival—and this is just the beginning. 🌟 Upcoming Aqualumina Workshops at Art Yard: • Create a Ceramic Wave for The Deep 🌊 • Jellyfish Parasols🪼 • Shibori River Suits 💧 • Melting Iceberg Fascinators❄️ • Fish Lanterns 🐟🏮 Each workshop offers a unique way to contribute to the larger vision of Aqualumina—inviting you to create, collaborate, and become part of this immersive experience. 🌊 And don’t forget—the Aqualumina Festival is just around the corner! A luminous celebration of water, light, and community. Come be part of it. Let’s keep creating together ✨

✨🎨 THE ART OF BEGINNINGS — Genesis’ First Solo Exhibition 🎨✨ There are moments when you witness not just an exhibition, but the unfolding of a voice—bold, honest, and deeply rooted in identity. The Art of Beginnings, the first solo show by Genesis, is exactly that: a powerful declaration of self, story, and becoming. Genesis, a proud Latina artist shaped by her Puerto Rican and Dominican roots, brings forward a body of work that radiates color, resilience, and truth. Raised in a family of strong women, her journey into art began early—choosing her path with intention at just 10 years old. From Arts Academy Charter Middle School to Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts, her dedication has always been clear: art is not just what she does—it is who she is. This exhibition feels like stepping into a moment of transformation. Through vibrant palettes and symbolic storytelling, Genesis captures the beauty and uncertainty of beginnings—the courage it takes to claim your voice, to honor your roots, and to step into your own narrative. You can feel the echoes of inspiration from Frida Kahlo and Vincent Van Gogh, yet every piece stands firmly in her own language—intimate, expressive, and unapologetically hers. Beyond her studio practice, Genesis is a true community builder. From her work as a caricature artist at Dorney Park to her leadership as Lead Educator and Department Administrator at the Allentown Art Museum, she continues to create bridges between art and people—between creativity and community. The Art of Beginnings is more than a title—it is a reminder that every step forward, every risk, every act of creation is its own kind of rebirth. Congratulations, Genesis, on this beautiful and powerful first solo exhibition. This is only the beginning. 💫 #TheArtOfBeginnings #GenesisArt #LatinaArtist #FirstSoloShow #LehighValleyArts #ArtWithPurpose #WomenInArt #AllentownArts #EmergingArtist #ArtAndIdentity

Stepping into Gardens and Gateways by @devynleonor at the @center_for_visual_research at Cedar Crest College Galleries felt like entering a living meditation 🌿✨ Through a vibrant and deeply intentional body of work, Devyn invites us to move beyond simply observing and into feeling—guiding us through layered journeys of mystical spirituality, self-discovery, and the quiet power of staying present. Each piece opens a doorway, each color a path, each moment an opportunity to reconnect with ourselves and the unseen energies that shape us. There is something truly transformative about how this exhibition holds space—both expansive and intimate at once—reminding us that growth often happens in stillness, and that beauty lives in awareness. Congratulations to Devyn Briggs on this powerful and luminous body of work. 🌸 Your vision creates not just art, but an experience. #GardensAndGateways #DevynBriggs #CedarCrestCollege #ArtExhibition #ContemporaryArt #ArtAsExperience #SpiritualJourney #Presence #LehighValleyArts #SupportArtists

Still feeling inspired after such an incredible evening of @thefoundationbasd for @bethlehemareasd at the Be the Light Celebration Dinner 2026 What a powerful reminder of what is possible when a community comes together to uplift education in the Lehigh Valley. Hearing from leaders like Mike Faccinetto, @basdjacksilva , and Justin Amann was truly moving—their words continue to ignite a shared vision for what education can and should be for our students. The night was also a beautiful reflection of the immense talent within the Bethlehem Area School District. From student voices to artistic expression, it was clear that our young people are not only learning—they are leading, creating, and shaping the future right before our eyes 🎨 Equally inspiring was the presence and support of community institutions like @artsquest_pa , @davincisciencecenter and @alloy_5 —true partners in building a more vibrant, innovative, and equitable educational landscape. Grateful to have been part of this evening, and to contribute in a small way through the silent auction. Nights like this remind us that when we invest in education, we invest in everything 💡 #BeTheLight #LehighValley #EducationMatters #ArtsInEducation #CommunityImpact #FutureLeaders #BethlehemPA

✨ **First Morning at La Casita de Bambú** ✨ This morning we welcomed Abby Simmons to her residency at La Casita de Bambú, beginning the day in the most beautiful way: with an art-making meditation. Together we let go of preconceived ideas, slowing down to focus on breath, presence, and intention. A gentle reminder that art is a safe space—a place where we can explore, innovate, take risks, and most importantly, play. Holding these reflections, Abby later stepped into the studio to translate this experience into her own creative process, working with **glass**—allowing intuition, curiosity, and experimentation to guide the making. Thank you, Abby, for joining us this weekend and for your openness to **play, teach, learn, and grow together**. Your presence already fills the space with curiosity and possibility. Welcome to the magic of **La Casita de Bambú**. 🌿✨ #LaCasitaDeBambu #ElPatioDeMiCasa #ArtistResidency #CreativeProcess #ArtAsMeditation #GlassArt #ArtistsInCommunity #LehighValleyArts

🌿 La Casita de Bambú – Spring/Summer 2026 Resident Artist 🌿 We are honored to welcome Abigail Simmons @abbymattie as the first resident artist of our Spring/Summer 2026 season at La Casita de Bambú, the residency program of El Patio de Mi Casa. Abby is widely known in our community for her extraordinary work as a passionate advocate for arts education and community engagement. As a leader within the Education and Community Engagement Department at the Allentown Art Museum, Abby has helped guide and inspire a remarkable team dedicated to making art accessible to all. Through her work, she has created meaningful opportunities for students, educators, and families across the Lehigh Valley to experience the transformative power of creativity. During her residency at La Casita de Bambú, Abby will return to a deeply personal place in her artistic journey—reconnecting with her own creative process. Through exploration, curiosity, and free art-making, she will engage with materials in an intuitive and reflective way. Drawn to the beauty of glass in addition to the textures and stories embedded in natural and found materials, Abby’s work reflects on how the act of assembling objects mirrors the art of building relationships in the classroom—layer by layer, connection by connection. Her time with us will be an opportunity to slow down, experiment, and rediscover the joy of making, while continuing to inspire the same spirit of creativity she cultivates in so many others throughout our community. 🌿 Welcome, Abby. We are honored to have you begin this season with us. #Artresidency #lacasitadebambu

🌿 El Patio de Mi Casa Announces the Spring–Summer 2026 Residents of La Casita de Bambú 🌿 We are excited to announce the **invited resident artists for the Spring–Summer 2026 season of *La Casita de Bambú*, the residency program of El Patio de Mi Casa**. These creative powerhouses will spend time in the Lehigh Valley exploring, creating, and engaging with our community through art, dialogue, and collaboration. Some of these artists will be Joining us for the very first time while others are returning residents, continuing the creative relationships and community connections that have grown through this residency. Together, they represent a vibrant mix of voices, practices, and perspectives. During their time with us, the artists will interact with and participate in programs alongside wonderful partners including the @atownartmuseum @artsacademyelementary and @luartgalleries bringing their creativity into classrooms, community spaces, and cultural institutions across the region. At El Patio de Mi Casa we believe artists have the power to spark conversation, build bridges, and inspire new ways of seeing the world. Through La Casita de Bambú* we open our doors to artists who are ready to share their vision while connecting deeply with the people and creative energy of the Lehigh Valley ✨ Stay tuned as we introduce each of these incredible artists and share more about their work, their journeys, and the impact they will have during their residency. The patio is open, the bamboo house is ready, and a new season of creativity begins. #ElPatioDeMiCasa #LaCasitaDeBambu #ArtistResidency #LehighValleyArts #AllentownArts #ArtistInResidence #CreativeCommunity #ArtsInCommunity