Eunice Diaz – Fine Arts Center member for 5 years
Why did you become a member of the FAC?
Like Pablo Picasso elegantly said: “The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls.” I am an art lover and a strong believer in the power of the arts. You see, the arts, both performing and visual, are what makes us most human, most complete as people. I believe that taking time to appreciate this beauty is part of our humanity. By being a member I get free admission to the permanent collections, monthly members-only tours every first Saturday of the month, discounted art classes and discounts on theater tickets… It doesn’t get any better! I get to be part of the cultural vitality of Colorado Springs. There’s a strong relationship between arts and cultural engagement, and I love to be engaged.
When did your interest in the arts begin?
I have always been very inclined towards the arts. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Arts, with a concentration in foreign languages. Classes such as Music, and Arts Appreciation were my bread and butter for more than four years. During my junior year of college I participated in an exchange program and got to study French and French Civilization in Paris. While I was there I visited famous, renowned museums such as Le Louvre, Musée d’Orsay and the Picasso Museum. After I graduated college I went to New York as an intern for the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and completed a six-month internship working in the museum’s library. Currently, I am a docent at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, so a few times a month I get to tour and educate people about art. I am also an usher in the theater… Yes, I guess you can call me lucky!
What has been one of your favorite plays, classes or exhibits at the FAC?
My favorite plays have got to be Mary Poppins and Dracula. Mary Poppins because the performances were simply exquisite; it made me reminisce about my childhood! The actors were so professional, their voices were phenomenal and the whole experience was enriching. Dracula because it was intense, sensual and wonderfully done… Even though it was a highly sexual play, it never felt like a cheap performance. You can truly see the commitment this organization has to the delivery of high-quality material. I am so proud of being a member of such an integral part of this community. I have yet to take an art lesson but that is definitely on my bucket list for this year!
What is your favorite work of art on display at the FAC right now?
My favorite painting at the Fine Arts Center is a portrait called Portrait of Russell A. Blackman (which unfortunately is not currently on view). It’s an oil on canvas and it portrays a plump, curly-haired blonde boy, son of a renowned Colorado Springs doctor in the 1910s, Dr. Alfred A. Blackman and Gratia R. Blackman. I wrote a paper about this portrait and while doing so, I became fascinated by the history behind the painting. The little boy died of nephritis when he was only 8 years old, and although it is a sad story, it makes me happy to know that back in the good old days, people paid artists to keep the memories of their loved ones alive. I can’t wait to tour this painting so that I can share all the wonderful information I learned about it.
What else do you like to do for fun in Colorado Springs?
Dancing is my ultimate fun activity; I also enjoy hiking, visiting other museums and visiting all the many wonderful things Colorado Springs has to offer. Colorado is not only a very cultural place with a plethora of history, but it is also sort of an outdoor playground. Lately, I’ve been trying to visit all the castles I can find around the area. I really enjoyed The Glen Eyre Castle near Garden of the Gods. There are so many outdoor activities to do every weekend; it is a very family-oriented place and I love it.
To hear what else Eunice had to say about the Fine Arts Center, check out the video below!