Faculty Spotlight: Grechel Rosado

We're happy to introduce Grechel Rosado, who joined the Visual Art Department faculty this school year! In her first semester at Walnut Hill, Grechel (who, among other accomplishments, was just announced as the recipient of the 2025 Interlace Project Grant) presented "Recuerdos y Ofrendas", a month-long solo exhibition in Highland Hall's Pooke Gallery. Check out more photos of the exhibition on SmugMug, and read the interview below to learn about Grechel's process, as well as the themes and cultural influences present in her work.

Tell us about "Recuerdos y Ofrendas" and its themes.

This collection is incredibly personal to me—an exploration of memory, tradition, and spirituality, and how they shape not only our identities but also the way we connect to those who came before us. I see this body of work as a visual offering, a way to honor the beauty of cultural rituals and personal histories. The core of this work lies in the concept of "recuerdos y ofrendas"—remembrance and offering. Growing up, I was deeply moved by the ways my family and community used rituals to honor the past—whether through our cooking, gatherings, or storytelling. Each piece in this collection reflects on those traditions while also inviting viewers to consider their own acts of remembrance. How do we honor those we’ve lost? How do we keep cultural traditions alive? These questions guided my artistic choices, from the textures and colors to the symbols embedded in each piece.

Can you describe your artistic vision and process?

My process is a diverse approach in illustrations, printmaking, and apparel—each chosen intentionally. Illustration allows me to layer stories, emotions, and materials to create a deep reflection of memory itself. Printmaking, with its repetitive and meditative nature, mirrors the rituals we hold sacred. And the apparel brings an element of physicality, connecting the viewer to the idea of memory as something we carry with us—literally and metaphorically.

How does the exhibition relate to heritage and culture?

Many of the motifs you’ll see—floral patterns, skeletons, and altar imagery—come from cultural practices that I hold dear. They represent the vibrancy and resilience of ancestral traditions within my culture, but also the fragility of memory and the passage of time. My goal is to create a space where past and present can coexist, where we can engage with our histories while also creating something new.

How do you envision people engaging with this work?

I invite you to reflect on your own stories, your own offerings. Think about the rituals or traditions that have been passed down to you. What does it mean to remember? And how do you choose to honor your own ancestry, your own sense of identity? These pieces are just one perspective, but they are meant to spark a dialogue that is deeply personal for each of us.