Esperanza Martel’s intergenerational ceramics show at Boricua College highlights ritual, community and found objects

Esperanza Martel, an educator, human rights activist and artist, is showing a multi-artist, intergenerational exhibition at Boricua College that centers decolonial practices, spirituality and earth-based ceramics. Martel described the exhibition as honoring working-class migrant women and using art as ritual, therapy and community education.

Martel said she first learned clay work young through community programs, noting the Police Athletic League as an early influence that provided art classes and materials. "I was born in Puerto Rico," she said, describing her connection to ancestral practice and the earth as foundational to her art.

Her recent work uses found objects and reclaimed materials. On air she discussed pieces that incorporate sea fans, shells and pots from the almandro tree—some repurposed into wearable objects such as necklaces and earrings—and said the work functions as both art and a means of processing community and political trauma.

Martel emphasized the show’s intergenerational make-up, listing participating artists and saying the show spans youths in their late teens up through elders, and that the exhibit has supported solidarity work related to Puerto Rico, Cuba, Venezuela and Palestine. She also noted a closing artist talk on April 23.

Visitors to the Boricua College gallery should call ahead for early appointments: Martel said gallery co-curator and director Jose Velasquez is at the gallery Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., and callers seeking a visit before 2 p.m. should phone the gallery; general information is available at boricuacollege.edu. Martel said one controversial piece, "Every Child’s a Prayer," addresses recent violence and is intended to amplify peace and dialogue.

The exhibition stresses connection to place, community care and political solidarity through material practice. The closing artist talk on April 23 will offer further context and community conversation.