At the opening of what is the largest exhibit showcasing her work, Beatriz Gonzalez divulged the history of her craft alongside Tobias Ostrander (PAMM chief curator) and Mari Carmen Ramirez (renowned Puerto Rican art curator). Admirers of the Colombian artist filled the PAMM auditorium eager to learn more about the woman behind the brush.

As a slide show of her works adorned the wall behind her, she began her tale. And she did not disappoint. Between expressing her distaste in a myriad of careers and humorously attacking her talent, Beatriz explained how she stumbled across art. Easily, she drew laughter from everyone present. In a way, she helped the audience identify with her through her humble story of the “Suicidas del Sisga” and how this famed work of art came to be as well as her prolific career as an artist.

The warm and charming 80 year old, full of tales sprinkled with self-kudos and comical anecdotes, stole the show on the opening evening of the exhibition, giving additional life to her work for those who witnessed it.

Although her wit and charisma won’t be present for the remaining of the exhibit, I urge you all to visit the PAMM to see it. There, you will find a large collection of her lifetime’s works in a variety of mediums. The exhibit will be open through September 1st at the Pérez Art Museum Miami, 1103 Biscayne Blvd., Miami; pamm.org. Admission costs $16 for adults, $12 for students, seniors, and youth ages 7 to 18, and free to members, active U.S. military, and children 6 and under.