Adrienne Cruz is a Portland-based textile and quilt artist whose work embodies the spiritual and cultural essence of the African Diaspora. Using bright colors, symbolism, adornments, and bold patterns, Cruz creates artworks that not only honor her ancestral roots, but also serve as channels of healing and blessings. 

"The art I create fulfills a powerful desire to express visually what's not easily spoken, a passion for color, a love of symbols, and a deep interest in matters of the Spirit. Gifts of my ancestors,  angels, and spirit guides celebrating the power of art beyond visual image flows through me as a celebration of survival. Ancestral roots real and imagined offer a base to channel elements of healing and blessings," said Adriene.

A Harlem, New York native Adriene was deeply inspired by her mother’s creative use of color and the rich cultural influences of her childhood community. She attended the High School of Art and Design and  received a BFA from the School of Visual Art in NewYork. After relocating to Portland, Oregon she explored quilting at the Oregon School of Art and Craft. What emerged were brilliantly colored and adorned quilts, large and small, piecing together richly patterned materials in rhythmic arrangements, structured as well as improvisational, deeply moving on a spiritual level and simply enjoyable for their sheer beauty.