Bridges of Belonging

Art Reception
Friday, May 1, 2026 | 5–8 p.m. | Rotunda Gallery
Enjoy an evening of music, cultural performances, visual art and food, and drinks, while supplies last.

Featured Artists:

Ale Sánchez, Alonso Coeto Salas, Andres Rave, Antony Montalvo Art, Azul Rangel, Azul Ureño Villalba, Brenda Lizbeth Hernández Román, Carlos Rodriguez, Cesar Caballos, Chetna D souza, Coeto de Jesús, Cory Harper, David Lampel, Dulce Solis, Elsa Cantu, Francisco Alonso Coeto Salas, Gabriel Cueto Salas, geo, Isaac Mejia, Jamie Zepeda, Jorge Fernandez (Sure), Jose Trejo Maya, José Salvador Enríquez Vellano, Josemanuel Rivera, Luz Violeta Torres Sánchez, Madison Heynen, Madison Ortiz Ramirez, Marisa Sánchez, Martín Maldonado Villegas, Narz Dela Rosa, Noé Vidal Flores, Pedro Cristóbal Flores Reyes (Huipone), Pie4You, Rachel De Vera, Sabrena Solis, Yazmin Garcia

Featured Juror: José Rosas

The story of José Rosas Paredes reflects the effort and perseverance of thousands of people from Puebla who, driven by the desire to provide better opportunities for their families, embarked on the migrant journey to the United States. Originally from the municipality of Palmar de Bravo, Puebla, he migrated to the United States at the age of 18 in search of better living conditions. His journey north, like that of many of his fellow countrymen, was not without challenges: he crossed the border undocumented, facing risk, uncertainty, and the sorrow of leaving behind his home and roots.

Upon arriving in the United States, he began working in the fields, performing agricultural labor under tough yet dignified conditions. Over time he grew within the construction industry, where he has built a solid career. He has resided in Las Vegas, Nevada for more than 35 years building strong community relationships within the Mexican community.

Married and a father of five, José Rosas has built a home grounded in honest work, discipline, and love for his family. The loss of his mother, which occurred while he was in the United States, profoundly marked his life, becoming a constant reminder of the sacrifices involved in migration and a source of moral strength that pushed him to keep moving forward with Determination.

His journey is also deeply connected to community organizing. Aware of the importance of strengthening ties among people from Puebla living abroad, José Rosas has promoted the formation of groups and associations of migrants from Puebla in the city of Las Vegas, aimed at preserving traditions, cultural identity, and a sense of belonging to their homeland.

In 2007 he founded the Federation of Poblanos in Las Vegas, an organization he currently presides over, and which has become a benchmark for representation and community cohesion. Through this initiative, he has promoted civic engagement, mutual support among fellow countrymen, and the building of a strong, supportive community—significantly contributing to strengthening the social fabric of the migrant community in the region.

Today, at 55 years of age, José Rosas Paredes is an example of perseverance, humility, and commitment. His life story represents the legacy of migrants from Puebla who, from abroad, not only transform their immediate surroundings but also honor their homeland through their work, dedication, and unwavering spirit of self-improvement.