The Full Circle Nine Gallery (FC9) will feature Carlos Sosa in “Lucy Florez: Shedding Light on the Many Influences to My Feminine Side” as part of the First Friday art tour at the Full Circle Nine Gallery (FC9), 6-9pm on Friday, October 4th. Admission and parking are free.

A graphic designer by trade, Carlos Sosa tells the story of his five sisters, focusing on their light in his life through their nurturing and tough love provided to Sosa as support and inspiration on his career path.

“The floral pieces pay homage to them, and all of the women who have inspired me to explore a kinder, feminine side during my career in my life,” Carlos Sosa said. “It also showcases the influence of my Latino culture, my garden, and my curiosity.”

Originally from a tough working-class neighborhood in the South Bronx, my sisters and I certainly struggled economically, but also in the need and desire to express ourselves. Because of mid-century misogyny, two of my sisters who certainly had the ability and inclination to pursue creative careers were simply not allowed to. Survival seldom allows for the indulgence of self-expression,” Sosa said while dedicating his show to his sisters, his wife, his mother, and female coworkers and friends.

About Carlos Sosa

Carlos Sosa is a self-described “NuYorican” transplant, educated in graphic design at the University of Cincinnati, before building a successful career in Indianapolis since 1986. He is inspired by graffiti, art museums, theater music and the challenges involved in creating art. This show satisfies a need for self-expression Sosa has not often found in client-based graphic design work, especially during Hispanic Heritage Month.

“Much of my art has been dedicated to my cultural influences,” Sosa said. “I think it’s important to show contemporary versions of art that utilizes traditional symbols and aesthetics in new ways, using new techniques and media. This show is an opportunity for me to allow audiences to get to know me personally. My hope is that the family connections that I’m expressing here give them a better sense of who I am and what I’m trying to accomplish with my artwork. I suppose I’d like the audience to recognize that even a tough kid from the South Bronx can have a softer, sensual side.”

About the Full Circle Nine Gallery

The Full Circle Nine Gallery operates as an artist cooperative gallery, with each of the member artists and the board dividing gallery duties and artists roles. The artists will work together to help each other advance in skill and practice, as well as to bring success to the gallery. With over two dozen artists occupying a large, three-room space of the more factory-reminiscent portion of the Factory Arts District North building, Full Circle Nine offers a wide variety of art forms, media, and approaches.

The gallery has regular hours: 12-4pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Full Circle Nine Gallery is located at 1125 Brookside Ave., Indianapolis, IN, 46202, in the South Studios section of Factory Arts North. For more information, or for artists interested in joining the Full Circle Nine, please visit www.fullcirclenine.com