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George Rodriguez’s Sculptures Reflect Sociopolitical Themes

Staff Report / nampalocal.org

**Art and Community: George Rodriguez’s Sculptures Explore Sociopolitical Themes**

The Nampa Public Library recently spotlighted artist George Rodriguez, a sculptor born and raised in El Paso, Texas, whose work deeply reflects sociopolitical themes. Drawing from his Mexican American heritage and global travel experiences, Rodriguez creates highly ornamented ceramic sculptures such as guardian figures, tomb sculptures, and installations. These pieces celebrate heritage, build community, and aim to bridge cultures across time with a blend of humor, reverence, and intricate design.

Among Rodriguez’s notable recent works is a permanent installation at the new Kansas City International Airport. Additional projects include a community tile mural at The Clay Studio in Philadelphia and an outdoor public sculpture created for CASA of Maryland, an immigration advocacy organization in Baltimore. His works have been widely exhibited in U.S. venues such as the Whatcom Museum in Bellingham, WA; Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento, CA; and the Canton Art Museum in Canton, OH.

Rodriguez’s sculptures are housed in prestigious collections around the world, including the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago, the Paul G. Allen College of Computer Science and Engineering in Seattle, the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C., and the National Museum in Stockholm, Sweden. His story and work have also been featured on PBS Craft in America’s “Storytellers” episode.

In addition to his studio practice, Rodriguez serves as an assistant professor at the Tyler School of Art and Architecture in Philadelphia. Through his teaching and mentorship, he has engaged diverse communities in collaborative projects such as tile murals and large-scale sculpture designs, extending his art's reach and impact beyond the classroom.

This presentation was made possible in partnership with the Institute for the Humanities and supported by a grant from the Arts Initiative at the University of Michigan. The series is presented in collaboration with Detroit PBS, ALL ARTS, PBS Books, and media partner Michigan Public.

Source: Nampa Public Library | Nampa ID | Facebook

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Feb 7, 2025 at 8:00 PM

Library