Art Farm Iowa to host East Coast artist for Halloween-themed exhibit – Albert Lea Tribune

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Miami-based artist Chris Mendoza will present his glow-in-the-dark mural, “Cosmic Dragon,” at Art Farm Iowa on Friday and Saturday. Provided

Chris Mendoza’s takes inspiration from street art, ancient civilizations and other elements for his art. Guests who come to view his mural at Art Farm Iowa this weekend will also be able to take home a free pumpkin while supplies last. Provided

Northwood’s Art Farm Iowa on Friday and Saturday will bring a unique take on the mural experience during Fright Night, in which they will host artist Chris Mendoza and his new mural, “Cosmic Dragon.”

“Chris Mendoza’s work has an edge and atmosphere that’s perfect for the season,” said Steve Hanson, founder of Art Farm Iowa, in a press release. “Fright Night brings together art, music and community — just with a Halloween twist.”

Mendoza, 53, has decades of experience in a variety of art styles. Born in Latin America and eventually moving to New York City and living there for about 20 years, Mendoza said he began creating art as a young child.

His father was an architect, so he learned a lot about drawing intricate and linear art from him.

Mendoza said he never went to art school outside of a special program at his high school. Rather, he said, he learned everything he knows from reading books from the public library. Living in New York, Mendoza said he also learned a lot about street or urban art. He currently lives in Miami.

Outside of his technical, architecture-inspired art, Mendoza said, he also has another side of his art that focuses on symbols and organic elements from both ancient and indigenous civilizations. He enjoys painting with watercolor, as well.

“I have different styles,” he said. “I am an artist, but … I’m still learning. You’re always learning as an artist.”

Mendoza has also taught at children’s art camps, as well as given lectures about American and Latin American art and artists.

This will be his second time presenting at Art Farm Iowa. It will also be his second time showing art in the Midwest.

He said he will spend a few weeks in Iowa creating art and learning about making ceramics and pottery. It will be like an art residency, he explained. He was also invited to show art at the art center in Clear Lake.

“I’m really happy to make this happen …,” he said. “I have a good opportunity to keep expanding.”

A lot of artists specialize in one area of their craft and are afraid of branching out and trying new things, Mendoza said. However, he added, all ideas — from art and writing to inventions and technology — came from experimentation.

“The whole point of making art is to experiment,” he said.

For “Cosmic Dragon,” Mendoza used a special fluorescent paint along with regular acrylic. The mural uses about 72 different colors and glows when viewed under a blacklight. This made it perfect for the Halloween season, he said.

In addition to the mural, Mendoza said he will also paint custom pumpkins that will glow under the blacklight.

After living in two large cities for most of his life, Mendoza said it has been fun experiencing the fall season in the Midwest. He said it has also been helpful to be away from the city for a little bit to get in tune with nature.

“It’s Halloween. It’s harvest and farmers are picking up all the crops,” he said. “It’s a little different than New York and Miami … so it’s a new experience for me.”

Art Farm Iowa’s Fright Night will be from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday at 4953 Olive Ave. in Northwood. Admission to the event is free, and donations are welcome. Guests will be able to choose a free pumpkin to take home with them as long as supplies last.