Frutos da Arte - Where artistry and community bloom

Hi! I’m Franchesca, and I’ve been in love with art since I was a little girl. I was always looking for a pencil to get my imagination down on paper and constantly seeking out beauty in everyday life. My earliest memories are of drawing princesses on beaches where the sun always seemed to be setting or rising. Later in life this evolved into a love for portraiture and landscape painting.

As I grew older, and began facing the world, another passion took root—a love for community. Inspired by the amazing women in my life, I saw the transformative power of service and friendship and I dedicated my career to trying to make the world a better place. But art was still there, though it took a back seat for a while.

In 2019, my two worlds collided. In the aftermath of Hurricane Maria and in the face of terrible corruption, I saw Puerto Ricans stand up for their rights, their homes, and their community. The art that blossomed from this movement was absolutely extraordinary. Artists used their voices and talents to tell the story of their resistance and resilience, and to shine a light on their island. Inspired by my people’s courage and strength, I began connecting with artists and elevating their stories online. My hope was that their experiences would resonate with others and that their art would be shared around the world. Through this experience I met so many wonderful and talented people, each making the most out of life and using their art to transform the world around them. I saw first hand that art gives us a voice, it creates empathy, and it inspires change. Art builds community.

And just like that, my love affair with art was revived, and a new dream was born—Opening a community gallery.

The gallery is made up of artists and creators from all over the world who believe that art unites us. Nestled in the city of Caldas da Rainha, Portugal—renowned for its rich artistic traditions— the gallery will serve as a space for people to build meaningful connections through artistic expression.

We are raising funds to transform a spacious facility into a vibrant and warm gallery that feels like home. The gallery will feature a rotating selection of artwork across various mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media. But we are more than just a gallery; we are a gateway to connection and creativity. The gallery will host engaging activities such as workshops, artist talks, and storytelling events to bring our community together.

By supporting the gallery, you are helping to create a space where art and community thrive together. Your contributions will go towards renovating our facility, curating exhibitions, and community programming that makes art accessible to all.