I was born in Colombia, S.A. and arrived in NY at the age of 3 with my mami, embracing I Love Lucy, game shows, pop music and old school Hollywood. Although my birth culture is sewn into the fabric of my everyday life, my American dream is still wrapped tightly around Frank Capra’s small town Utopia. The magic realism that permeates my birth country is reflected in the surreal landscapes I explore in a variety of media. The family of women who raised me continue to inspire me. This rich confluence of cultures has created a unique and ever evolving voice.
There are 3 things that I believe in and try to remind others of every day; the belief that art is not a luxury, the knowledge that we are all creative and the fact that art is magic.
Patty Eljaiek is an artist, teaching artist, mom and abuela. As Chair of Planning and Programming and Vice President at Westbury Arts, she has worked to develop and establish a diverse portfolio of programs and events that have included visual arts, music, dance and spoken word. She recently completed programming and directing the very first Summer Arts Camp for children in Westbury, NY.
