Owner/Director/Curator/Preparator
Samsøñ Projects
Photo by Carla Fernandez 

How did you get involved with the Brookline Arts Center?

I was invited to jury a show titled Red, White & Blue. As a juror, you don’t choose the exhibition title, theme or artists, just the works. I think jurying can be a bit removed, so I also installed all the works salon style in the galleries.

Tell us about your background. How did you become interested in art?

I’m Dominican American, born in NYC, and moved to Boston in 2004. As a city kid, the museums were always there and endless. Then I discovered the gallery in high school and it was on. I studied Art History at Skidmore and then got a Masters in Museum Studies at Harvard.

What passions do you bring to the BAC community?

I have a strong feeling for the need to hope and survive. These are the darkest times I hope I will ever have to endure. Tough times pass and tough people persist.

What do you enjoy most about the BAC?

It’s an educational center where multiple generations commingle. That’s special.

What was your favorite childhood art project?

I don’t recall doing any art projects. I remember early on, not necessarily wanting to make art, just look at it and be with it.

Who are some of your art heroes?

Mostly it depends on the day. But, in perpetuity, it will always be those artists who have been held back.

Do you have anything exciting coming up?

I’m enjoying working on this window series of exhibitions for the BAC. They’re all local people I’ve worked with a bit in the past but not on a solo project, so its an exercise in relationship strengthening.

Check out BODYMONOPOLIZINGPOLITICKING, a series of four exhibitions curated by Álvårez in the BAC’s Annex Gallery, on view through April 19. Learn more.
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