Gerry Díaz opening reception from 3-5 p.m. July 8

Gerry Díaz’s art exhibition is called “Renacimiento,” which means rebirth. Díaz witnessed firsthand the destruction of his native Puerto Rico from Hurricane Maria. The devastation inspired Díaz to consider just how short life can be.

“Although the island still has much healing to do, the exhibit has helped me deal with internal healing as I watch the day-to-day struggle that is still going on in Puerto Rico,” Díaz said.

The show will focus mainly on Diaz’s love for Puerto Rico and his fascination with the human figure in a variety of mediums. “Renacimiento” will run from July 2 through August 5th with an opening reception from 3-5 p.m. July 8 at The Society of Bluffton Artists (SoBA) gallery, located in Old Town Bluffton off Calhoun Street.

Díaz moved from Puerto Rico to Beaufort in 1998. He worked as a graphic designer in the engineering industry. Diaz has been a fine artist his entire life. He trained himself in classical drawing and painting styles — using graphite, charcoal, pastel, pen and ink, acrylics, oil, watercolors and even gouache.