Hyatt Centric Center City Philadelphia, the upscale lifestyle hotel nestled in bustling Rittenhouse Square, is pleased to announce the opening of Sentido de un Lugar (Sense of Place), the next entry in its “Maker Series,” an ongoing program highlighting local artists and creators. Starting with a “Meet the Makers” opening reception for Philadelphia-based sculptor Maria G. Albornoz and painter Jorge Luis Vega, on Friday, September 27 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, the exhibit arrives as a celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month and is part of Hyatt Centric’s ongoing collaboration with InLiquid, a local non-profit arts organization founded in Olde Kensington in 1999.
Sentido de un Lugar features artists Maria G. Albornoz and Jorge Luis Vega, whose work is inspired by memory and aspects of everyday life, creating within their respective works a rich sense of place. The InLiquid-curated exhibit showcases how celebrations of the commonplace elevate daily practices to extraordinary moments, portraying significance in the tranquility which domestic settings and daily rituals can provide. Sentido de un Lugar is on display now through November 15.
“Maria G. Albornoz and Jorge Luis Vega both explore places of origin and being in very different, dimensional ways,” said Rachel Zimmerman, Co-Founder and Executive Director at InLiquid. “This exhibit is an excellent example of perspective as it relates to culture, ritual and recreation.”
Albornoz was raised in Caracas, Venezuela. Her ceramic pieces reflect her appreciation of everyday life. Through wheel throwing and coil-building, Albornoz crafts functional vessels intended for everyday use, and she adorns these vessels with scenes of daily life – armchairs nestled between houseplants, dining tables set for dinner, and kitchens in the midst of cooking. Vega was raised in Puerto Rico. Inspired by the colors and contours of tropical landscapes, his stylized and often surreal paintings depict scenes of life in the Caribbean, featuring the interactions of people, animals, plants, and public settings which comprise daily island life. Throughout his work, Vega stokes emotional undertones, relaying notions of humor, fear, serenity, and vulnerability.
“The vibrant works of Maria G. Albornoz and Jorge Luis Vega are a welcome part of our Maker Series during Hispanic Heritage Month,” said Elizabeth Fricke, Director of Sales & Marketing at Hyatt Centric Center City Philadelphia. “Their art uniquely captures the essence of cultural storytelling through bold colors and imaginative figures, offering guests an inspiring experience that reflects the diversity and creativity of the Hispanic community. This exhibit not only enhances our space but also deepens our connection to local artists and their powerful narratives.”
Art enthusiasts and fans of Vega’s and Albornoz’s work can mix and mingle with the artists at the opening reception on Friday, September 27. From 5:30 to 7:30 pm, guests can check out the exhibit while enjoying complimentary light bites courtesy of Patchwork Restaurant, and featured pay-as-you-go craft cocktails from the adjacent bar.
Vega’s and Albornoz’s works will be available for purchase during the event and post-reception, and additional information can be found here.
Philadelphia RowHome Magazine's Blog 