Daisy Ruiz Illustrator and Cartoonist comes to SVA Library west on March 3 (1pm), for a Student Lead Panel with WSW

The SVA Women Supporting Women Club, in collaboration with Honors, VCS, and SVA Library West, is honored to be hosting Bronx-bred illustrator, writer, and comic book artist Daisy Ruiz, widely known online as @Draizys. In this event, Daisy will be sharing insights into her acclaimed 2023 Ignatz Award-winning comic book, "Gordita: Built Like This." During the event, we'll have the opportunity to hear Daisy Ruiz speak about her creative process, inspirations, and the significance of "Gordita: Built Like This." Following the lecture, there will be a student-led discussion where we can engage with Daisy and delve deeper into the themes explored in her work. This event promises to be both enlightening and empowering, offering a platform to celebrate diversity, resilience, and the power of storytelling to spark meaningful conversations.

Drawing inspiration from her East Coast Chicana upbringing and everyday life in New York City, Daisy's illustrations capture the essence of her experiences with a touch of enchantment. Through her art, she invites us to see the beauty and magic in the everyday moments of life in the Bronx, despite the challenges of low-income living.

"Gordita: Built Like This" follows the journey of Gordita, a young Latina who faces judgment and struggles with body dysmorphia as she navigates societal expectations. Daisy's work not only explores themes of body image and self-acceptance but also delves into the nuances of identity and belonging.

The panel includes a strong cohort of artists and educators including:

Barbara Calderon: Barbara Calderón is a writer, artist, and art librarian at the School of Visual Arts where she also teaches writing in the H&S Department. She is a founding member of Colectiva Cósmica, a collective that organizes intentional spaces for femmes of color. Her work is guided by a background in journalism, Xicana studies, and art history. Her recent publications include a catalogue essay for Virginia Jaramillo : Principle of Equivalence published by Yale University Press (2023) and Sarah Zapata : To Strange Ground and High Places published by Galleria Poggiali . She has produced programs and exhibitions for cultural institutions across New York City and received the Andy Warhol Foundation Artist Writers grant in 2020.

Laura Trujillo Salazar, student, BFA Visual and Critical Studies.

Crystal Bao, student, BFA Illustration.

Violetta Maffei, student, BFA 3D Animation & VFX.

Kyubin Gil, student, BFA Design.

Isabella Mendoza, student,  BFA Fine Arts.

Mars Rodriguez,  student, BFA Visual and Critical Studies.

Snacks and refreshments will be served by the SVA Library West. RSVP is mandatory, please save the date and join us for this enriching experience. Let's come together to support Daisy Ruiz and celebrate the strength and resilience of women everywhere.

If you have any questions or require further information, please don't hesitate to reach out. We look forward to seeing you there!

This event is cohosted by The Honors Program, VCS Department, and SVA Library West.