Freddy Rodriguez Guest Artist January 2025
Born and raised on the west side of South Bend, Indiana, Freddy Rodriguez draws deep inspiration from his roots and the vibrant community that shaped him. A graduate of St. Joseph’s High School and holder of a BA in Fine Arts from Holy Cross College, Freddy’s life and work are defined by a commitment to unity, empathy, and the interconnectedness of humanity
El Corazon (2016)28 x 38 inches, Acrylic on Wood Panel
Through his art, Freddy seeks to foster inclusion and create spaces where diverse individuals can come together, share experiences, and discover common ground. His work is both personal and communal, reflecting a belief that art transcends boundaries and serves as a powerful tool for connection and understanding.
My Rendition/Mexican, Our Lady of Guadalupe, 1729 (2023)
Freddy’s journey in the arts is rooted in service. As Assistant Curator for the Institute for Latino Studies at Notre Dame, he collaborated with esteemed visual artists and engaged in leadership training in Washington, D.C., focusing on Latino public policy. As Head Art Instructor at the Ray and Joan Kroc Community Center, he led a community mural project at Art Beat, inviting participants to contribute to a vibrant piece that celebrated the center’s mission and the spirit of the neighborhood.
"DUE SMTNG" (2022)10 x 10 feet, SBMA Visualizing Innovation Mural
In his role as Family Outreach Coordinator for the South Bend Community School Corporation’s Bilingual Department, Freddy continues to empower youth and families through education and cultural engagement. His past leadership as President of LULAC 5025 further underscores his dedication to advancing opportunities for the Latino community.
Come Unity Mural (2013) 60 x 30 feet, Rosales Plaza
Freddy’s artistic practice bridges the personal and the communal. His community art projects often involve collaboration, reflecting the collective spirit of the people they represent. In his personal work, he transforms repurposed materials into canvases, uncovering beauty in the overlooked and everyday.
Houston We Have a Problem (2022) 48 x 48 inches, Acrylic on McDonald's Fries
I'm Trapped (2024) Acrylic on Mousetraps
Freddy’s art is a celebration of humanity’s shared experiences, a call to action for unity, and a testament to the transformative power of creativity. Through his work, he aspires to continue making a meaningful impact, fostering positive change, and inspiring the next generation of artists and community leaders.
Freddy Rodriguez
30 x 13 feet, Sports Hallway Mural, Navarre Middle School
Heart of the City (2023) 8 x 11 feet, The Rocki Button Mural
Major Events for Freddy Rodriguez in 2025
Trapped Visions: Art Unleashed (Exhibition, Spring 2025)
This show is made possible through the support of the Indiana Arts Commission’s On-Ramp Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator program. As one of 30 Hoosier artists awarded a fellowship, Freddy Rodriguez received funding to bring his vision to life.
The On-Ramp program provided Freddy with essential business training and a $2,000 fellowship to pursue a project that not only advances his artistic career but also serves his community. Trapped Visions: Art Unleashed embodies this mission by exploring themes of freedom, identity, and connection through repurposed materials, reflecting both personal and shared narratives. This exhibition is a testament to the transformative power of art and its ability to foster dialogue and unity within the community.
12 x 24 inches, Acrylic and Charcoal on Red Bandana
Untitled #2 (2022) Skull
Foundry Field Mural (Mural, Summer 2025)
I will be doing this project as a Community Art Fellow with the Institute for Social Concerns at Notre Dame.
During the summer, Freddy will lead the creation of a large-scale mural at Foundry Field. This community-centered project will invite collaboration and reflect the spirit of unity and vibrancy that Freddy champions in his public art initiatives.
St. Mary’s Mural and Exhibition (Mural/Exhibition, Fall 2025)
Closing out the year, Freddy will unveil a mural and accompanying exhibition at St. Mary’s College. This dual project will celebrate the intersection of art and community, offering a visual narrative that honors the shared experiences and stories of the space and its people.