LATINX FACULTY SHOWS HER WORK ON CAMPUS

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Natalie Granados is behind a large transparent fabrication hood with two circular glove ports. The scene appears to be a workshop or makerspace, with various tools, equipment, and bookshelves visible in the background. A flexible hose connects to the side of the hood, and the workspace is brightly lit.
Natalie Granados

Special Collections conservator at UConn, Natalie Granados, had her art featured at Homer Babbidge Library. Granados’ featured works are vivid depictions of places Granados has visited brought to life digitally through Adobe Draw. Places she has been such as the Dominican Republic where she was raised and New Orleans where she lived for a period of her life and views from the Detroit River.

A colorful, detailed illustration of iconic New Orleans landmarks arranged together in a collage-style scene. The drawing includes historic buildings, a streetcar, a circus tent, St. Louis Cathedral, the Audubon Zoo entrance, Jackson Square, and traditional French Quarter architecture with balconies and shutters. Large oak trees with sprawling branches form the background. A mule-drawn carriage appears in the lower left, and the word “New Orleans” is written boldly along the bottom edge, decorated with Mardi Gras beads. The artwork is rich in color and intricate linework, capturing the city’s vibrant culture and architecture.
St. Peter’s Street in the French Quarter of New Orleans

 

 

A colorful, hand‑drawn collage of well‑known Detroit landmarks and buildings arranged closely together against a light blue sky. Large, stylized lettering at the top spells “Detroit,” and the letters “MI” appear in bold yellow on the left side. The illustration features a mix of architectural styles, including historic brick buildings, Art Deco towers, and modern glass skyscrapers resembling the iconic Renaissance Center. A red‑and‑white diner‑style building labeled “American Coney Island” is shown at an angle near the center. Additional structures with arches, columns, and decorative facades fill the lower portion of the artwork. A strip of green grass and a railing border the bottom edge. The drawing uses strong lines, bright colors, and intricate details to celebrate Detroit’s distinctive skyline and cultural landmarks.
Detroit, Michigan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Granados went to art school during her undergraduate career in the Dominican Republic, then finished her degree at Parsons School of Design for Illustration. Granados says she was inspired to make her own exhibit after she witnessed a faculty member’s artwork on display. “About a year ago I saw an exhibit from someone that was a part of the community, she had been a faculty member and a light bulb went off and I thought maybe I can do this,” Granados said. Granados says her artwork is a passion of hers that she has been working on her whole life. Besides the art exhibit, she dedicated much of her time to creating art through different mediums. Granados previously owned business where she sold artwork and made clothing. Granados says she recently started to portray her latinidad through art, something she had not done before. Granados’ inspiration came from her recent visit to the Dominican Republic, and now she is tying much of her artwork to things from her visit such as flowers and houses that drew her attention while she was there. One thing Granados hopes to highlight more within art is creating work that speaks of street harassment and violence against women. We applaud Natalie’s work and look forward to her future works.

-Contributed by Jareliz Diaz

A stylized digital illustration of a historic building with a rounded dome topped by a small winged sculpture. The structure features arched windows, decorative stone details, and a mix of red, beige, and brown tones. The left side of the building is rendered in full detail, while the right side gradually fades into a lighter, unfinished sketch-like style. Sunlight highlights the dome and upper arches, creating depth and contrast against the white background.
The Barnum Museum in Bridgeport, CT
A digital illustration of a foggy park scene featuring large, bare trees with sprawling branches in the foreground. A paved path curves gently through the image, leading into the distance. The trees fade gradually into the mist, creating a soft, atmospheric effect. On the right side, a body of water reflects the pale, grayish light of the fog. The muted color palette and diffused lighting emphasize the quiet, calm mood of the landscape.
Foggy New England Morning