Press Release, Consulate General of Belize, Los Angeles, California, Monday, May 7, 2012 – Although one of his three large size art work on display is that of President Obama and Prime Minister Dean Barrow, Greg Palacio’s painting entitled “Homage to Andy V. Palacio” created the most conversation during the official opening of his exhibit on Saturday, April 28th, at the office of the Belize Consulate in Los Angeles. With family, friends and supporters in attendance, Greg walked his audience through all sixteen pieces of his works emphasizing the motivation for each.
Palacio has received several awards for his work. He has exhibited his paintings in the United States and in Belize, most notably at: The Findings Museum in San Pedro, California; California State University in Los Angeles; the Rialto Theater in Atlanta; Cambridge University in Boston, Massachusetts; Fields Museum in Chicago, Illinois; El Camino College in Torrance, California; the Pasadena Public Library, and the Bliss Institute in Belize. His work can also be found in private collections and in prestigious institutions, as well as gracing book covers, CD jackets, postcards, calendars, and in books.
He was fascinated by the Conch shell artworks of Gifford “Pacado” Lewis, a Belizean local who ornated the shells with paintings. Drawings and paintings of Bill Flores and Halton Fernandez left an indelible expression on him while growing up. And later, the paintings of Benjamin Nicholas and Pen Cayetano inspired him to become a professional painter.
Cultural Desk Chair, Helen Laurie and her committee members Honorary Consul Linda Lewis-Brown and Kim Hernandez made the second of six receptions a successful one.
Greg Palacio’s exhibit can be seen during the Consulate’s regular business hours up to May 17: Monday through Thursday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and Friday, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. The office is closed for lunch from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm, on weekends, and during American and Belizean holidays.
