Creative Connections at CAC with artists, Camila Leão & Catherine Rupan Mapp
Today we are exploring a creative connection between artists Camila Leão and Catherine Rupan Mapp. Camila is originally from São Paulo, Brazil while Catherine is originally from Miami Florida. Their paths first crossed at CAC’s Voices of Hispanic/Latinx Artists gallery reception in 2023, where their friendship and creative relationship began. Their paths would immediately cross once again during the Meet and Greet for BRUSH Mural Fest, where they were able to connect and talk about their practice, background, and journey. The two have been collaborating and supporting each other ever since then. Read more about their creative connection in this interview.
Where are you from?
I’m originally from São Paulo, Brazil, but I now live and work in Baltimore, MD.
- CL
I’m originally from Miami, FL but I moved here in 2012 when I was 17 to attend MICA. I’ve lived here in Baltimore ever since because it is such a fantastic city to be an artist in, and extremely affordable for someone still early in their career and trying to create a sustainable living from their art practice. Baltimore City has an incredible tax free incentive available for working in arts districts which is why I’ve stayed a part of the Copycat building for so long. The community that has found me here is also far more supportive than I could have ever hoped for.
-CRM
What role has CAC played in shaping your collaboration or creative relationship?
CAC was one of the first galleries to feature my paintings after I moved to the USA, and it gave me such an important start in connecting with local artists and feeling part of a community. One of the most meaningful connections I made was with Catherine Rupan Mapp - we first met during the group show Voices of Hispanic and Latinx Artists in 2023. From there, we had the chance to participate in the same local mural festival, which strengthened our bond and led us to collaborate with other artists. Now, we’re dreaming of a new mural project together, and I’m so excited about the potential of that!
-CL
In 2023, I applied to the annual Voices of Hispanic/Latinx Artists showcase at CAC and was accepted. I attended the opening reception and was absolutely blown away by the caliber of work and met so many welcoming individuals. Camilla Leao’s work really stood out to me as a favorite and I’m so greatful we were able to meet because of CAC. A week or two later, I received an email that I had been accepted into Brush Mural Fest as a rising start in their first year and during a mixer for the event, I got see Camilla in person again and speak at length about our journey from 2-D work to public art and murals. We have been collaborating together ever since!
-CRM
Could you share a memorable/creative moment together that inspired or strengthened your bond?
I think the fact that we both come from Latinx heritage and have participated in the same art shows and projects gave us a strong foundation for friendship. We also share the experience of not being originally from Baltimore but aspiring to grow in similar creative journeys. One moment that stands out for me was during the Meet and Greet for BRUSH Mural Fest. It felt so meaningful - we were both rising stars at that point and really got to learn more about each other’s stories, visions, and shared values. That moment marked the beginning of a connection I truly cherish! Since then, Catherine has been super supportive, offering great advice and sharing opportunities
-CL
Most recently we just worked on installation of a mural on polytab cloth at Tench Tilghman Elmentary/Middle School for Sol Raya Public Space and it was a full circle moment since we realized that we have known each other for a full year already. Coming straight from a full day of work on that project to a very fancy opening for a show in Bowie while we were both definitely still covered in bits of glue and paint after a scrub down and a wardrobe change was also a really funny camaraderie building moment. We’ve kept in touch ever since Brush Mural Fest and last year’s Hispanic Heritage Showcase at CAC, I feel like our friendship gets stronger with every project we tackle together!
-CRM
How has connecting through CAC impacted your work, creativity, or community involvement?
CAC has been extremely important in my journey as an emerging artist. They gave me my first big opportunity to showcase my art when I was still struggling to find a sense of belonging and work opportunities here in the USA. Through CAC, I hosted two workshops on World Arts Day, where I shared my cultural heritage and pride with the community. They also supported me in accomplishing one of my biggest dreams: hosting my first solo show. They allowed me to add mini murals to the gallery’s columns, and to incorporate an activism component that brought awareness to the devastating environmental issues affecting Brazil. These experiences not only helped advance my portfolio and career but also deepened my community connections, helping me meet other talented artists and art enthusiasts. CAC has truly been a cornerstone for my growth!
-CL
I have had moments of intensely missing home in Miami but I feel like participating in shows like CAC’s annual Hispanic Heritage Showcase have been instrumental in connecting me with the LatinX and Hispanic arts community at large here in Baltimore and that in itself is a huge coming for me. I have a lot of complicated feelings about my own identity as a multiracial individual but the sense of grounding and understanding on an intuitive level that being a part of this community gives me is indispensably affirming to my work as a creative and an individual. Having a strong network with a friend like Camilla who is so willing to share my name in a room full of opportunities (and vice versa) have led to so many lucky projects and shows that have made all the difference. Creative partnerships really make the world go round!
-CRM
What advice would you give to others about building connections through community art spaces like CAC?
Don’t be afraid to reach out and connect with spaces like CAC! Along the way, I’ve learned that finding supportive, like-minded people is one of the most valuable things an artist can do. I’ve let impostor syndrome hold me back in the past, and I’ve learned that it’s a huge mistake. There’s so much power in simply putting yourself out there, sharing your story, and trusting that the right people and opportunities will align with your journey. Community art spaces like CAC create an environment where we can grow together and inspire one another. They’ve shown me that the art world doesn’t have to be isolating - it can be full of collaboration and mutual support.
-CL
You never know what might happen if you step out of your comfort zone! Apply to the show or take the class if you’re on the fence about it. You never know who you might meet and what a change they might make in your life! Everyone I’ve met through the CAC circle has been so positive and welcoming so consider this your sign to come check out what this center has to offer!
-CRM
What are you most excited about for your future together or individually?
Together, I’m really looking forward to the potential mural project Catherine and I have been planning alongside other great artists. I can’t wait to work with her again, and I hope we can keep supporting each other in all our creative endeavors. I truly believe in the motto “Cooperation, not Competition,” and I think our different skill sets and backgrounds bring so much value to the projects we collaborate on and I am grateful for crossing paths with her, starting at CAC!
Individually, I’m excited to keep exploring and creating across different formats that I can - whether it’s painting, illustration, or murals. As a recent full-time artist now, I feel so inspired to continue growing, experimenting, and making meaningful work that reflects my values and passions.
-CL
We are now dreaming up some more collaborative mural opportunities in the future and can’t wait to see what happens when our aesthetics are combined! I don’t want to give away too many surprises but we have something very fun in the works this coming spring with a group of really exceptional artists that we are so floored to be working with and this is only the beginning!
-CRM
Anything else we should know about you?
I’m aspiring to create art that inspires connection, sparks dialogue, and celebrates diversity. My work is rooted in my Brazilian heritage and shaped by my experiences as an immigrant, and as someone who believes in the importance of environmental and social justice. When I’m not working on art, I’m finding ways to explore the natural landscapes around me, playing music, or attending live shows. Music has always been a source of community, joy and inspiration for me, and I love the energy and creativity it brings in my life. Lastly, I’m always open to collaboration, community building, and learning from others. Art has the power to unite us, and I hope my work continues to reflect that belief.
-CL
I have a studio at the Copycat Building that is open for tours during Station North Artwalk every second Friday of the month. There are currently about 18 different artists in the space and we work collectively as Bogus Gallery Studios. As the new year kicks off, we are hoping to have more interactive events and calls for artists so please make sure to follow us on instagram at @bogusgallerystudios for updates! I am also always looking for opportunities to collaborate with new faces so feel free to shoot me a message to connect on instagram at @catherinerupanmapp as well!
-CRM
