Ilaamen Pelshaw

I am a Guatemalan-American visual artist whose work is rooted in storytelling and nostalgia. Drawing from my heritage and background as an illustrator, I use contrast, bold color, and geometric patterns to explore the space between reality and imagination. Influenced by Guatemalan textiles and the visual traditions of Latin America, my work celebrates the beauty and richness of everyday life. Working primarily with Mixed media; acrylics, latex, and graphite, I create vibrant compositions that invite viewers to experience a sense of wonder, belonging, and cultural appreciation.

2021 - Alternate Currents Working Group / Amplify Arts

2018 - Artist Inc Omaha, (2018).

2015 - Worked as Color Theory and Illustration Techniques* Instructor / San Pablo University, Guatemala City (*Graphite and Acrylics).

2007 - Coursework in Fashion Image & Styling / Instituto Marangoni in Milano, Italy.

2000, 2004 - Post graduate studies in photography and illustration from independent art academies, Guatemala.

2000 - Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design / Universidad Rafael Landívar, Guatemala.

1993,1994 - Galería Ríos, Art Academy.

2024 -
Group Exhibitions:
Biennial 'ARTcetera', Sioux City Art Center. Sioux City
'Bold is Back' Bancroft Street Market. Omaha
'Frida y Diego' Carriage House Gallery, Joslyn Castle. Omaha
'Earth Day', Cactus Gallery, LA
'Sister Cities' El Doral Cultural Art Center. Florida

2023 -
SOLO show 'Line + Contrast' Radial Arts Center, Omaha

Group exhibitions:
'1st Annual Postcard Show', Brassworks Gallery, Portland
'Mixin' It Up' Hot Shops Art Center, Omaha
'LOTERIA IX' Cactus Gallery, LA
'Bold', Split Gallery, Omaha
'Bird Stories', Cactus Gallery, LA
'Lucid Dreams', Cactus Gallery, LA

2022 -
Group Exhibitions:
'Benefit Art Auction', Bemis Center, Omaha
'Tiny Treasures XVII' Cactus Gallery, LA
'Los Colores' Cathedral Arts Project, Omaha
Two-person show, 'The Beauty of Color' Generator Space Omaha
'Lotería VIII' Cactus Gallery, LA
'Some Fun Now' Sugarmynt Gallery, Pasadena
'Art Exhibition + Benefit', Radial Arts Center, Omaha
Biennial 'Arte Latinx', Gallery 1516, Omaha
Biennial 'ARTcetera', Sioux City Art Center, Sioux City
'OEAA Awards Visual Artist Showcase', RBR Gallery, Omaha

2021 -
Group exhibitions:
'Tiny Treasures' Cactus Gallery, LA
'Lotería VII' Cactus Gallery, LA
'Art Exhibition + Benefit', Citylight Arts Project, ...