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Eileen Ruth Sánchez

@eileenruthsanchez

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“Iguaca” self portrait by Eileen Ruth Sánchez

This self portrait is inspired by the endangered Iguaca of Puerto Rico. I painted myself transformed into an Iguaca, holding paper and pen while resting in a tree, thinking about documentation, memory, and survival. The piece reflects my longing to reconnect with my culture while living in the diaspora, as Jersey City changes and as Puerto Rico continues to face erasure, displacement, and loss. In creating it, I sit with a difficult question. How do we protect what is sacred, and how do we record memory before it disappears?

I think about visiting my abuela en los montes de Añasco, the smell of the rainforest, and the sounds of los coquis. This was one of the first art shows mi abuelita attended. Finding these photos again after her passing feels heartwarming and humbling, and this painting now carries that memory too.

I have always felt connected to birds, to flying, to trees, and to being an observer while still belonging. Becoming the Iguaca felt tender and defiant at the same time, a mix of grief, protection, pride, mourning, and honor. Our joy, our love, and our celebrations are also forms of resistance.

I first began this painting in August 2018 at @eskff Sol Studios, under the wonderful mentorship of fellow Andean artist @bymarfigueroa . Returning to this piece years later feels like reconnecting with a younger version of myself. This painting is now out of storage and hangs proudly in my home. I am excited to bring more of little me’s ideas, hopes, and dreams to life this year.

Seguimos aqui, pa’lante 🦜🩵 by @eileenruthsanchez

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5 months ago

“Espíritu del Sol de Jayuya” y “La Guardiana del Sol” by Eileen Ruth Sánchez (2025)

This Sol de Jayuya and Vejigante inspired mask was created during the Mask Making Workshop at the Hoboken Museum in July 2025 with teaching artists @bebebambu88 and @diana_nugu_ . It debuted at the Mask Exhibition and Street Catwalk at @piraguaartspace on October 11, 2025, alongside the incredible work of fellow artists: @beatheastronaut @leopepsiiii @chase_smallback and Angel Pagan.

Rooted in the Taíno petroglyph, the “Espíritu del Sol de Jayuya” was shaped as a mask that carries the spirit of the sun. When worn, it transforms into a “Guardiana del Sol,” a character who brings light into motion through bomba and plena dance movements. The Guardiana honors the matriarchs and storytellers whose strength and warmth guide our communities forward.

This year has been full of cultural exploration and personal growth, and this mask holds that journey. It was my first time working with paper mache and creating a three-dimensional wearable mask, and while the medium was challenging, the support of the workshop community kept me going. Researching Taíno artifacts and history shaped the final painting and design, and imagining how the character would move led me to bomba and plena.

I am grateful for everyone who shared knowledge, encouraged me through the process, and came out to support the show. Being surrounded by community made this experience even more meaningful and reminded me how much joy there is in embracing and learning from our culture.

Seguimos aquí, pa’lante y para siempre ☀️ taken in Piragua Art Space by @eileenruthsanchez

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8 months ago

“Flor de Maga, Qantu, Violet, and Banana Leaf Heart” by Eileen Ruth Sánchez

Happy Valentine’s Day! Here is my heart ❤️

This heart of flowers is a representation of my own heart and what drives me as a Puerto Rican-Peruvian artist from Jersey City, NJ.

I first made this heart on a friend date at Drawing Room in Manhattan @nycdrawingroom back in November 2024. A few weeks later, at a friend’s paint and sip at their beautiful home, I created the acrylic painting of the heart. I’m so thankful for my friends who encourage me to be creative and make more art!

Hecho con amor, siempre 🫶 taken in Jersey City, New Jersey by @eileenruthsanchez

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5 months ago

My first Open Studio @elevatorjerseycity! Thank you to everyone who stopped by and added to our wall drawing 🌻

I’m so thankful to have this shared space. Now that I’ve moved in and set up, it’s time to create! Stay tuned for the next Open Studio event in the fall🍁 taken in Hamilton Park, Jersey City by @eileenruthsanchez

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25 days ago

SUN DAY FUN DAY! ☀️ June 28, 2-6pm📍135 Erie Street near Hamilton Park, Jersey City, NJ 07302

🌺 I’m excited to invite everyone to my first Open Studios @elevatorjerseycity! Find me in Studio 513 to see my work, enjoy tropical treats, and create your own fabric flower charm

🌻 This FREE event features:
• 30+ artists’ studios to explore
• Astrology + Tarot readings with @panchitaartista
• Live music & DJ sets @iankenselaar @tfdutchman & @justinguitarcia
• elevator tote bag decorating with @jcprintroom
• Mini empanadas by @ososbites & libations by @madameclaudewine

🌼 Find the entrance at the big red cactus with an ice cream truck and a pop-up flower stand
by @bloomwithsam to greet you! taken in Hamilton Park, Jersey City by @eileenruthsanchez

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a month ago

La Guardiana del Sol at the National Puerto Rican Day Parade in NYC with @theboricuaverse @prparade @eileenruthsanchez 🇵🇷

Thank you for such an amazing first parade experience! Shout out to everyone’s great cosplays and wonderful energy. And huge congratulations to @floris_lilium La Boricualorian being recognized as an ambassador, such an inspiration and icon bringing the Boricua cosplay community together 🫶 taken in Nueva Yol by @eileenruthsanchez

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a month ago

my first time tabling! 🫶 thank you @jc_artandstudiotour for sponsoring me and fellow artist @ricardoadrianraphael to show our work and be part of the Neighbors Studio Block Party @neighborsstudio__

Muchísimas gracias to everyone who stopped by, chatted with me, and stamped their own card as a free gift. Heart-warming moments for me:
🩷 Admirers of my flower heart, a heart I designed that represents me as a Puerto Rican-Peruvian Jersey gal
🦜 Those who saw their own family members’ faces in my portrait
🏝️ The diaspora seeing their own family’s casitas in the painting of Lydia’s pink casita
💐 So many wonderful souls interested in taking my art home with them

This event was absolutely amazing, it reminded me of block parties as a kid - music, dancing, laughter, good food, lemonade, and of course @mamitasices @heladosnestlemexico

My next event is this Saturday, June 20, 12-8pm at Reclaim the Block Festival by @segundaquimbamba! 🇵🇷 Join us for free family fun, vendors, music, dancing, arts & crafts, dominos, and live performances.

Then join me at @elevatorjerseycity Elevator’s Open Studios on Sunday, June 28! ☀️ Come explore the studios, enjoy free treats, music on every floor, and make a take-home craft with us in Studio 513. taken in Neighbors Studio by @eileenruthsanchez

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a month ago

THE CREATIVE SIDE JC, producer of JCAST is proud to support NEIGHBORS STUDIO, a community third space in Bergen-Lafayette.

Come to the BLOCK PARTY
on JUNE 6

SEE JERSEY CITY ARTISTS:

EILEEN RUTH SANCHEZ AND RICARDO RAPHAEL

AT NEIGHBORS BLOCK PARTY

JUNE 6, 12 - 8PM

370 PACIFIC AVENUE
BERGEN-LAFAYETTE

Be there, come to hang and have fun.

@brianaalee_
For a while now I wanted to create something you could feel. Something that brings you back.

Back to being outside all day. Back to knowing who lives on your street. Back to music playing from down the block before you even got there.

Imagine this: Dominoes slamming on the table, limbe, your next door neighbor, your favorite DJ playing songs everyone knows.

No pressure. No production. Just people. This is for the people who grew up here, the people still here & the ones who just need a place to feel at home again.

No extras. No distractions. Just the block.

@djalaska
@djbripee
@a.felixx

#NEIGHBORS
#BLOCKPARTY
#ARTISTS
#COMMUNITY
#JCAST taken in Bergen/Lafayette, Jersey City, New Jersey by @eileenruthsanchez

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2 months ago

Mask Showcase, April 9 at Biblioteca Criolla, Jersey City Free Public Library 🇵🇷🎭🎨

5-week Mask Making Workshop throughout March 2026, led by teaching artist Eileen Ruth Sánchez @eileenruthsanchez

Wow, que emocional 🥹 I’m feeling incredibly grateful reflecting on this experience. Thank you to Biblioteca Criolla and Patricia Vega for believing in me and helping create a free and accessible workshop opportunity centered around celebrating Puerto Rican / Boricua culture, creativity, and community.

As a boricua born and raised in Jersey City, it was such an honor to share this craft with everyone who showed up week after week with curiosity, openness, and heart. I am so proud of every participant for committing to this creative journey, taking on a challenging material, and creating masks that explored and reflected their own culture, identity, memories, and stories.

One of the most beautiful parts of this workshop was seeing people of all ages and cultural backgrounds connect through art. Workshops like this are for everyone. Creativity belongs to all of us.

For mi mama and titi. For mi abuelita who came to Jersey City and worked hard despite adversity to give her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren better lives and opportunities. I would not be here today without the strong women and matriarchs in my life, and I carry them with me in everything I create and share.

Thank you to everyone who trusted me, created with me, and wore their masks proudly at the showcase. Stay tuned for the next one! 🌺🫶 taken in Jersey City Free Public Library by @eileenruthsanchez

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2 months ago

Biblioteca Criolla welcomed children’s author and illustrator @carlosvisualdiary for a special in-person story hour, where he read from his latest book, “Precious” (“Preciosa”). Attendees enjoyed an engaging reading followed by a lively Q&A session, where Carlos shared insights into his creative process and inspiration. 🦋 📖 🇵🇷

The event also featured a colorful showcase of Vejigante masks, celebrating Puerto Rican culture and artistry. The mask showcase was a presentation of a workshop hosted at JCFPL by @eileenruthsanchez where participants explored the history and cultural significance of the Vejigante mask in Puerto Rican tradition. During the hands-on workshop, attendees created their own unique masks to take home, expressing creativity while connecting with cultural heritage. ✨🇵🇷🇨🇺🇮🇪

Thank you to everyone who participated in this event and participated in the mask showcase!💙💛

#bibliotecacriolla #jcfpl #jclibrary #welcomingspaces #communityfirst taken in Jersey City Free Public Library by @eileenruthsanchez

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3 months ago

Hola! I am excited to invite you to our Mask Making Workshop Showcase, this Thursday @jclibrarynj Biblioteca Criolla, alongside the Carlos Aponte “Precious”/“Preciosa” Story Hour!

🗓️: Thursday, April 9th, 3:30-4:30pm
📍: Jersey City Free Public Library, Priscilla Gardener Main Library, 4th Floor

Come see these amazing artists present their work, as a result of the 5-week cultural art workshop made possible by the FREE public library. We hope to see you there! taken in Jersey City Free Public Library by @eileenruthsanchez

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4 months ago

Happy to share my Mini Mask Workshop at the Triangle Park Community Center! @triangleparkccjc

Thursday, March 26, 4:00-6:00pm
FREE children’s program. All materials provided.

Join us and get creative with polymer clay. In this hands-on workshop, students will sculpt and paint their own mini mask to take home! This workshop is inspired by Puerto Rican Vejigante masks, and taught by Jersey City artist and native Eileen Ruth Sanchez. 🇵🇷🎨☀️🩵 taken in Triangle Park Community Center by @eileenruthsanchez

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4 months ago