07/02/2026
The featured artist for tomorrow’s July First Friday is Nicole Espinoza, whose work can be found at https://artespinoza.myportfolio.com/ 🖌️
Nicole Espinoza Paniura is a Peruvian artist, and multimedia creative whose work is deeply inspired by her father, Felix Espinoza Vargas, an internationally recognized Peruvian artist who was born without arms and one leg and painted with his mouth and foot.
Speaking of her work and artistic journey, Nicole says:
“Growing up, I watched my father transform adversity into art and inspire people around the world through his resilience, creativity, and unwavering spirit. More than anything, I grew up hearing the words, “Limits do not exist.” Those words became the foundation of my life which continues to guide me every day of my life.
I create art because my dad taught me how to dream without limits.
My artwork is a reflection of the lessons he shared with me: to persevere, to believe in the impossible, and to never stop chasing my dreams. Through every piece I create, I hope to honor his legacy while sharing my own story and inspiring others to never stop dreaming.
Being selected as a Featured Artist at First Friday is especially meaningful to me due it feels like a full-circle moment. Throughout my life, I watched my dad travel the world sharing his artwork and most important, sharing his story and inspiring lives of countless people. Today, I have the opportunity to continue that journey in my own way, carrying his message, his spirit and his legacy with me.
My dad not only taught me how to paint. He taught me how to dream. Watching him overcome obstacles that seemed impossible because his condition defined me that limits do not exit and everything I’m doing today is because he taught me to believe that anything is possible.
If my art can inspire even one person to keep going, keep dreaming, or see their own potential differently, then I know his legacy lives on.
Mami, Papi y familia, this dream is for you. Vamos por más!”
We can’t wait to see Nicole’s work tomorrow!rrow
