Flor Ariana Fabela Garfio is a multidisciplinary artist, metalsmith, and sculptor whose work is deeply rooted in the resilience of nature, the mysteries of the cosmos, and technology. Growing up in the arid Chihuahuan Desert, she developed a profound appreciation for organic forms, which she reinterprets through experimental, futuristic creations. Her art merges science, philosophy, and innovative techniques to explore existential themes such as mortality, transformation, and the possibility of life beyond Earth. Through her work, Fabela invites audiences to question our place in the universe, fostering curiosity, connection, and wonder.
Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Sculpture and Metals at The University of Texas at El Paso, Fabela has established herself as an emerging voice in contemporary art. Her academic background also includes an Associate Degree in Arts and a Welding Certification from El Paso Community College. She has further expanded her studies through experiences like the Panama Study Abroad Program, focusing on tuberculosis and vitamin D research.
Fabela’s work has been showcased in numerous exhibitions, including the Stanlee and Gerald Rubin Center for the Visual Arts, La Mecha Contemporary Gallery, The Glass Gallery, and San Diego State University’s University Art Gallery. Her two-person exhibition, Terraformed, and participation in group shows such as En La Linea and Rayenari Light-Based Art Festival highlight her versatility and conceptual depth.
Recognized for her artistic excellence, Fabela has received prestigious awards, including the Arleigh B. and Maxie G. Templeton Endowment for Three-Dimensional Fine Arts, the Catherine Crowell Belk Art Scholarship, and multiple appearances on the Dean’s List. In 2025, she was nominated for the Lamar-Windgate Fellowship from the Center for Craft, further solidifying her reputation in the field.
Beyond her studio practice, Fabela is committed to community engagement and leadership. She has volunteered with No Lost Food, organized fundraising efforts for UTEP’s Jewelry and Metals program, and serves as President of the Sculpture Collective at UTEP. She is an active member of the Society of North American Goldsmiths (SNAG) and has attended major conferences and workshops with esteemed artists like Georgina Treviño, Everett Hoffman, and Sandra Salaices.
Fabela’s professional experience includes working as a Teaching Assistant in the UTEP Jewelry and Metalsmithing Program and serving as a Research Assistant Artist under sculptor Angel Cabrales. She is also the owner of Chamuco Customs, an online clothing store.
Currently, Fabela is preparing for her senior solo exhibition, where she will further explore speculative life beyond Earth, merging art and science into a visual narrative. With her dedication to pushing artistic boundaries and engaging with philosophical and scientific themes, she continues to establish herself as a dynamic and thought-provoking artist in contemporary art.
Flor Fabela 