With the heart of folk art and the soul of spirituality, Carmen Porfido's vibrant, ethnic images speak to the elements common to us all. Representations of people and places, excitement and serenity, executed with a lively "palette" of kaleidescopic color reflect the artist's Puerto Rican heritage and New York influences. Living and working in New York City since the early 60's, Porfido has explored numerous avenues of artistic expression, including "papier mache", ceramic sculpture, stone and wood carving, trapunto and extended French knot embroidery. Her current "paintings" produced in needlepoint are the culmination of her craft background and keen observational prowess. Carmen has studied at the New School for Social Research, Brooklyn College, and the Educational Alliance, as well as with private teachers, and has exhibited her stereoscopic work in group and one-person shows throughout the East Coast.