Veronica Figueroa Velez
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Art is not just a creation; it bridges wounds, healing, isolation, and community. My journey as an artist began in Isabela, Puerto Rico, where, at fourteen, I discovered the transformative power of murals and three-dimensional art within the walls of my hometown church. That sacred space taught me that art could be a personal expression and a collective experience.
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When I moved to Madison in 1994, I carried with me not just my suitcase but also my belief in art's ability to heal and unite. My path led me to pursue Art Therapy at Edgewood College, where I deepened my understanding of creative expression as a tool for healing. Through my work, I've witnessed how art can give voice to the silenced and strength to the vulnerable.
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As an artist and advocate, my practice exists at the intersection of creativity and social justice. My role as Executive Director of UNIDOS has shown me how art can become a powerful medium for addressing trauma and fostering resilience in survivors of domestic violence. Each brushstroke, each sculptural form I create, carries the intention of aesthetic beauty and creating spaces for healing and dialogue.
My work extends beyond traditional canvas and sculpture—it lives in community murals, healing art groups, and collective spaces where art catalyzes change. Through DAMA (Dane Arts Mural Arts), I've had the privilege of fostering youth development and community engagement and watching as public art becomes a vehicle for social transformation.
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Our deepest wounds can become our masterpieces. My art practice is deeply rooted in the belief that creative expression empowers people and can powerfully contribute to their healing process. Whether working with individuals in intimate workshop settings or leading large-scale projects with the City of Madison, my mission remains constant: to use art for healing, empowerment, and social change.
My Puerto Rican heritage infuses my work with vibrant cultural narratives, while my life in Madison has expanded my artistic vocabulary to embrace new forms of community engagement. This dual perspective allows me to create work that bridges cultures, generations, and experiences, fostering dialogue and understanding in an increasingly divided world.
For me, art is not just about creating something beautiful—it's about creating something meaningful. It's about building connections, facilitating healing, and inspiring change. Every piece I create invites me to join this transformation journey, where personal healing becomes collective empowerment, and creativity becomes a force for social justice.