***PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS EVENT WILL BE HELD AT THE MAILMAN AUDITORIUM INSIDE THE MAILMAN-HOLLYWOOD BUILDING ON THE CAMPUS OF NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY (NSU)! NOT AT THE ALVIN SHERMAN LIBRARY THIS MONTH!***

Join us in welcoming Kandy G. Lopez, whose art continues to resonate and inspire through its profound exploration of identity.

Kandy G. Lopez, born in New Jersey and raised in Florida, is a distinguished multi-media Afro-Caribbean American portrait artist and one of the leading artists in Broward County and the Country at the moment. Lopez's artistic journey began at the University of South Florida, where she earned a BFA in Painting and a BS in Marketing and Management. She further honed her craft by obtaining an MFA in Painting from Florida Atlantic University in 2014.

Lopez has an impressive teaching career, having shared her expertise at Florida Atlantic University and Daytona State College. She currently inspires students as an Associate Professor at NOVA Southeastern University. Her work focuses on exploring identity through the lens of marginalized individuals who represent her community.

Lopez's recent solo exhibitions include:

• (in)visibility: Nepantla, Spady Cultural Heritage Museum (2024)
• Our Shadow Remains, ARLO Gallery (2024)
• (in)visibility: cache, NSU Art Museum of Fort Lauderdale (2023)
• Intersectionality, Coral Springs Museum of Art (2023)

Her accolades are numerous, including the Alonzo Davis Fellowship (2024-2025), the South Florida Cultural Consortium Grant (2023-2024), the Broward County Cultural Division Artist Innovation Grant (2022-2023), and the Project Row House Grant (2022). Lopez's artist residencies span prestigious institutions such as The Virginia Arts Center of Richmond (2024), Yaddo Artist Residency (2024), Nacan Residency in the Dominican Republic (2023), Ucross (2022), Hambidge (2021), Stay Home Gallery & Artist Residency (2021), the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts Artist Residency (2024), the Broward County Libraries Artist Residency (2025), and the Art and Cultural Center Hollywood (2025).

Currently represented by ACA Galleries in New York, Lopez's works have been showcased in notable collections, including the NSU Art Museum Collection, the Broward County Art Collection, and the Francie Bishop Good private collection. She recently featured solo at the Armory Fair in September 2024. Upcoming exhibitions include a solo showcase at Expo Chicago in April and a major solo show at the Armory Art Center in West Palm Beach (2025-2026).

Website: https://www.kandyglopez.com/

Creative Zen was developed by the local chapter of the American Advertising Federation & Choose954 as a way to engage and connect the local creative community. Please join us for a thought-provoking presentation highlighting local motivational stories designed to connect, engage, and inspire all people.  Every Creative Zen event includes a complimentary guided meditation before a short inspiring and thought provoking talk during the second Friday morning of the month. All Creative Zen events are free of charge and open to the community, being creative is not required!

Parking in the garage is complimentary!