Mail Art South Florida
This painting titled Mi Burrito Sabanero is part of my continued involvement in the mail art movement, where I use small works to connect with artists and organizers across the globe while sharing the stories that shape South Florida. This piece is a gift to Ceramink, Sharlene Loomis, a true human extraordinaire who tirelessly brings artists together and gives this movement its heartbeat. Through mail art I celebrate the animals, plants, people, and cultures that define this region, using each work as both a personal offering and a cultural message sent outward.
The painting depicts a gentle donkey wearing a red and white Santa hat, set against a soft pastel background that evokes calm, warmth, and nostalgia. Loose brushwork and layered textures give the animal a quiet presence, with expressive eyes that feel both humble and knowing. The donkey stands simply and directly, its form grounded and honest, allowing the symbolism to speak without excess. The holiday hat adds a playful yet reverent note, blending innocence with tradition and memory.
Mi Burrito Sabanero honors the donkey of Bethlehem, the spirit of Christmas, and the song that is woven deeply into the cultural fabric of South Florida for so many Hispanic families. Every Noche Buena, every Christmas party and seasonal gathering, that melody would fill the room until it became inseparable from the holidays themselves. Even decades later the rhythm and chant remain instantly recognizable, carrying with them memories of family, food, laughter, and togetherness. This painting is as much about sound and memory as it is about image, paying tribute to how culture is passed down not just through stories, but through songs that stay with us for a lifetime.
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Private Collection Sharlene Loomis