Irene Perez + José Arenivar-Gómez
Raíces (Loteria Piñata), 2026
Paper-mache and ceramic
Irene Perez Bio:
Irene Perez is a Detroit-based artist and educator working in textiles, sculpture, and installation. Drawing from her Mexican heritage, family histories, labor, migration, and cultural memory, her practice brings together quilts, piñatas, reimagined clothing, and objects connected to her upbringing in a family restaurant. Her work extends into teaching, curating exhibitions, and organizing arts programming in Southwest Detroit. At Mexicantown CDC Galería, she has worked with artists, youth, and community members to develop exhibitions, workshops, and collaborative projects. This year, she will begin a teaching artist residency with ProjectArt at the Detroit Public Library. Across her practice, she is committed to supporting artists, building relationships, and creating opportunities for people to learn and make together. Perez holds an MFA in Fiber from Cranbrook Academy of Art and a BFA from the University of Michigan’s Stamps School of Art & Design.
José Arenivar-Gómez Bio:
José Arenivar-Gómez is a Mexican ceramics artist and educator based in Metro Detroit. Born and raised in Chihuahua, Mexico, he immigrated to Las Cruces, NM, in 2007 to pursue higher education at New Mexico State University. Jose earned his BFA in Drawing and Ceramics in 2015 and his MFA in Ceramics from Cranbrook Academy of Art in 2018. His work has been exhibited nationally in venues such as the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit, David Salkin Creative, and Cranbrook Art Museum.
Please note: All artworks will remain on display through January 31st after which purchased works will be available for pick up at BasBlue - 110 East Ferry Street, Detroit. (unless alternate arrangements have been made). For questions contact: info@basblueus.com