As a reflection of her 'shameless love of life,' a local artist has created a collection of paintings in honor of those with special needs that will be on exhibit at the UA.

Titled "I Like You," the paintings in Evamaria Lugo's collection stem from experiences Lugo had as an administrator in a school for adults and young adults with mental retardation.

"This is a show about a population that is often ignored or neglected in our society," said Lugo. "People with disabilities are different from us, but our human needs are all the same. We all need to feel respected and loved."

Despite the fact that her position as an administrator was based out of an office, Lugo had many opportunities to interact with the students, eventually becoming friends with several of them.

"Friendship, at its best, is a mirror and an echo that often leads to self-knowledge," said Lugo. "I became these people's friend, and in doing so I became my own best friend."

The "I Like You" collection is made up of a series of 11 paintings involving the students Lugo encountered in her work at the school.

"This is the first time in 23 years as a professional painter that I concentrate in a whole series about particular individuals," she said. "These are a few paintings about some of my dearest friends who, I am honored to admit, like me."

This is a show about a population that is often ignored or neglected in our society. - Evamaria Lugo, artist

Lugo began thinking about this particular exhibit in 1998, the same year that she created the first painting in her "I Like You" collection.

She generally paints scenes about everyday life, incorporating memories and emotions into her work.

"In my heart these elegant simple events or visual memories relate to very definite individuals and times," said Lugo. "On the canvas they become studies of space and color."

Lugo credits her enthusiasm for the abstract side of art to artists Mark Rothko and Paul Gaughin, who once said, "Be in love, you will be happy."

The daughter of a literature professor and a journalist, Lugo works on large canvases with acrylics.

In prior exhibits, she has used various multi-media techniques, often incorporating the Spanish language into her presentations.

"Writing is always a very important part of my work and I try to incorporate it in my art presentations," Lugo said. "I am bilingual and I always try to honor my mother's tongue by translating everything I write into Spanish."

She has been painting professionally since 1980, the same year that she graduated with her bachelor degree in fine arts from the UA.

"I do many things to make a living," said Lugo. "I write, I do development work and I consult as a business manager. But I am never not painting."

The "I Like You" collection will be on display in the Union Gallery on the third floor of the Student Union Memorial Center until Nov. 6.

The exhibit begins today with an opening reception from 5 ÷ 7 p.m.