Metal Art Demonstration

Monica and Lenin are artists and asylees from Ecuador, the cities of Ambato and Quito respectively, both are of Quechuan heritage (indigenous community of South America). Lenin is a master craftsman of leather and metals like silver and copper, his education began as a teenager following the tradition of his fmaily. Monica is an artist in her own right, learning metalwork from Lenin. Her work often incorporates natural themes, such as apple trees and duende (Ecuadorian mythological creature) . They used profits from selling their art to finance their journey from Ecuador to the United States, arriving here just a few months ago. Their journey took them almost a full year, they experienced jungle travel, immigration officers, and even jail time before arriving in Albany. She believes life introduced her to the right people who taught her to create art with her hands. She enjoyed being able to get away from her problems by creating beautiful things with her hands