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ISSIS MACIAS

Featured on Milwaukee PBS

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This piece, called “Catrina,” by Yesica Coria, is made from corn husk, chicken wire, papier-mâché and sawdust.

SAMARA KALK DERBY, STATE JOURNAL

LAS CURANDERAS | FROM ASHES, WE RISE First entirely Latina art exhibit in Wisconsin ponders concept of fire

By Samara Kalk Derby, Wisconsin State Journal, September 18, 2026

...“At our core, we really wanted to do something to alchemize our pain into something powerful, to turn destruction into hope and to create a space for other Latina artists to do the same,” she said.

..."She noted that not all of the artists are full-time professionals. "We have a beautiful mix of artists that are showing for the first time, artists that are mid-career or emerging. I think that's what makes this exhibition really special."

Thank you, BOLD Journey, for the opportunity to reflect on where I've been and where I'm going.

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Madison abstract painter Bob Hemauer introduced “Refuge and Resistance”, a group show with artists Ciel Skål, Issis Macias, R-Lo, and himself at Imaginary Factory (1401 Northern Court, Madison) from May 27 to June 13. A reception will take place on June 4th (5:30–8:30PM) with Q&A at 6:30PM. A portion of all art sales from the exhibition will directly benefit Voces de la Frontera.

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Latina artists across Wisconsin invited to submit work to “Las Curanderas: From Ashes, We Rise” exhibition

By Madison365 staff, February 9, 2026

Latina artists from across Wisconsin are invited to submit work to Las Curanderas: From Ashes, We Rise, a group exhibition “centering Latina artists as healers, truth-tellers, and agents of transformation during a time marked by political injustice, violence against our communities, and collective resistance.”

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Las Curanderas exhibition seeks healing flames from Wisconsin's Latina artists

By Anna Hansen, Wisconsin State Journal, March 29, 2026

...“This exhibition honors Latinas as curanderas — those who carry ancestral wisdom, resilience, and the power to transform pain into new beginnings,” the curators said in a statement. “At a time when our communities are under attack, we gather through art to reclaim, heal, and celebrate our identities."

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At a time when it feels like our social fabric is being torn apart, today’s show is about the power of art to pull people back together. Host Ali Muldrow is in conversation with Issis Macias, Lesley Numbers, and Emily Popp about the current exhibit at Art + Literature Laboratory, Pulling Together: Work from Madison’s Roundhouse Studios.

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Madison Public Market murals give a taste of what’s to come

By Emilie Heidemann, Isthmus, January 10, 2026

A hummingbird and a Mexican salamander, the axolotl, are outlined in black against pastel pinks and blues. A Black woman with an Afro is surrounded by flowers and a rainbow. An Indigenous woman dressed in traditional garments is set against a backdrop of stones and shells. These murals decorate the exterior of the Madison Public Market, which is expected to open this spring.

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Art installations reflecting Madison’s diversity begin at Madison Public Market

By Madison365 staff, October 7, 2025

The Madison Public Market is expected to open in the first quarter of 2026, and work is now underway to begin installing some of the first pieces of art. When installations are complete, the Madison Public Market will showcase a vibrant collection of public artworks that reflect the diverse voices, histories, and cultures of the Madison community.

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Meet Issis Macias

By CANVASREBEL Stories & Insights, August 25, 2025

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Issis Macias. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Issis, thanks for joining us today. Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?

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Issis Macias, a Los Angeles-born artist, channels her experiences into intuitive abstractions

by Patricia Gomez, Milwaukee PBS - Adelante, March 26, 2025

Issis Macias, a Los Angeles-born artist, channels her experiences into intuitive abstractions that speak to the human spirit. Discover with us the art and career of Issis Macias, a finalist for the 2023 Forward Art Prize and recipient of the Micaela Salinas Artist Fellowship.

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Exploring Intuitive Abstraction in Art with Issis Macias

by Linda Syth, The Layered Onion—Peeling Back the Layers Podcast, March 24, 2025

Discover the vibrant world of intuitive abstract painting! Uncover the journey of Issis Macias, who uses colors and emotions to create stunning artworks that reflect personal and cultural history...

Nueva exposición en Latino Arts: "Su Mundo De Colores"

by Montse Ricossa, Telemundo Wisconsin, March 19, 2025

Una exposición hermosa creada por una latina ha llegado a Latino Arts para ayudarnos a entender mejor nuestro mundo. En el segmento de Nuestra Comunidad, el director artístico de Latino Arts, Jacobo Lovo nos acompaño para contornos más...

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Annual Madison Arts Commission grants provide accessibility to Arts

by Logan Underwood, The Badger Herald, February 16, 2025

For others, the MAC grants provide essential funds for art supplies and marketing materials. Madison abstract painter Issis Macias applied for the MAC grant for the first time in 2024...

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Ethereal Spaces and Gifts from the Dark at Arts + Literature Laboratory: Inner Exploration

by Jonathan Gramling, The Capital City Hues, Vol. 19 No. 25, December 9, 2024

Both Issis Macias and Jessica Guitierrez, Art + Literature Laboratory 2023-2025 Bridge Work artists who each have an exhibit in the Lab's galleries, are self-taught artists...

A Deep Knowing: Interview with Issis Macias

by Jynelle Gracia, ALL Review, November 2024

Issis Macias relies on “a deep knowing” plumbed from Mexican ancestry and the complexity of lived experience to power her creative practice as an intuitive abstract painter. She turned to art full time after devoting many years to water conservation work and becoming a mother. For her, navigating those shifts via intuitive painting is both method and medicine.

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Artist Profile: Issis Macias

by Christine Holm, The Little Book Project WI, November 30, 2024

Issis Macias, a self-taught artist and daughter of Mexican immigrants, was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. In 2020, amid the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic and a significant career shift, she became a new mother and embraced her art as a means of healing.

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Intuitive painter Issis Macias sets the tone for LunART Festival 2024: REBIRTH

by Ava Wojnowski, LunART W.O.W. Blog, March 10, 2024

Local artist, Issis Macias, is turning her outlet into an artistic career. She started painting as a hobby in 2012 when she lived in Los Angeles, California, but has now made it her full time job...

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10th annual Latino Art Fair expands to two days to celebrate the Cinco de Mayo weekend

by David Dahmer, Madison365, April 19, 2024

Latinos Organizing for Understanding and Development (LOUD), Overture Center for the Arts, and Madison Symphony Orchestra are partnering to host the 10th annual Latino Art Fair May 3-4...

Intuición, inspiración, emoción

by Rafael Viscarra, La Comunidad News Online, March 31, 2023

Issis Macias, nació en Torrance, California, y antes de emprender el camino como artista, trabajó en Anaheim (Water Resources Management), y se lanzó como pintora en 2012...

Latino Art Fair in Photos

by Kayla Wolf, The Capital Times, March 4, 2023

The 9th Annual Latino Art Fair on Friday at Overture Center for the Arts celebrated the rich roots of Latino art and culture in south central Wisconsin.

Artists exhibited and sold their work, from paintings, photography, pottery and jewelry, to music and more. Among the featured artists were Rodrigo Carapia and Issis Macias, whose show, "Bajo el Mismo Cielo / Under the Same Sky," is up through March 12 at 201 State St.

From Mexico City and L.A. to Madison, Latino artists find new opportunities at the Overture Center

by Daniela Jaime, Wisconsin State Journal, March 3, 2023

For Madison artists Issis Macias and Rodrigo Carapia, being Latino means they can laugh over shared experiences.

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9th Annual Latino Art Fair celebrates culture, creativity and connection

by Celia Hiorns, Madison Magazine, March 2, 2023

With various forms of art available to view and purchase, this year's Latino Art Fair at the Overture Center highlights the rich creative work of Latino artists in South Central Wisconsin.

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Latino art fair returns to the Overture on Saturday

by Gayle Worland, Wisconsin State Journal, May 7, 2022

“I’m so excited to be invited to showcase my work with the other talented Latino artists who will be there,” said Macias, who will be showing her colorful abstract paintings and some collaborative work. “And I’m excited for the chance to connect with the Latino community.”

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The Art of Issis Macias: Connecting to the Spirit of Creativity

by Jonathan Gramling, The Capital City Hues, Vol. 16 no. 22, November 1, 2021

Issis Macias was a first-generation Mexican-American who grew up in the L.A. area, the daughter of conservative catholic parents.

Bajo el Mismo Cielo / Under the Same Sky: Rodrigo Carapia and Issis Macias

Isthmus events, February 15, 2023

For Madison artists Issis Macias and Rodrigo Carapia, being Latino means they can laugh over shared experiences.

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