The Vision To celebrate the 55th anniversary of El Rio Health on Congress, the leadership team sought to give a meaningful gift to their staff,

Research My early research began by looking at the many ways angels are represented throughout history. Ranging from vibrant wings painted on barrio walls to

Site Visit In developing my preliminary design for the angel sculpture, I knew I needed to walk the grounds of El Rio’s bustling Congress campus

Back in the Studio Back in the studio, I will create a sculpture that carries the message forward. I will use my distinct voice as

Going from 2D to 3D Working from my drawing, I begin building a three dimensional model. I like working with cardboard because it is easy

Because of the sheer mass of Alma (13′ tall), I must consult with a structural engineer.

To enrich this project, I invited an oral historian to record the voices of community members that will transform the sculpture into an immersive experience.

From 3D to Steel Since 2021 I have been working with my fabricator and artist Jason Butler. Jason follows the structural engineer’s plans by selecting

The drawings I made for my powder coat contractor started as functional guides, but they’ve taken on a life beyond their purpose. There’s something intriguing

Powder coat is a fine, pigmented powder that is baked onto metal, fusing into a smooth, durable skin of color. For Alma, this finish is

LOCATION, LOCATION Choosing the exact location for a sculpture is more than a practical decision, it is about identifying a focal point where the work

BREAKING GROUND The first phase of my installation begins with the tractor digging the footing that will anchor the sculpture. Even after years in public

As I release Alma del Barrio to the community, I want to say thanks to El Rio Health

This is the moment I’ve been working toward for six months—planning, measuring, re-measuring, and refining every detail until everything aligned.