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Dozens of people gathered inside downtown Waco’s Falcon and Owl on Friday to immerse themselves in Euforia – a live art performance by renowned Cuban-American artist Rolando Diaz and musician Seth Simmons. Surrounded by paintings made throughout Diaz’s decades-long career, the artist regaled patrons with stories of his life and inspirations.

As Simmons took to the piano, Diaz began making broad, dramatic strokes with his brush across a blank canvas, as the crowd watched in awe. Over the next half hour, the two played off each other’s movements, tempos and colors as the painting took the shape of a campesino or a cowboy. Stepping back from the painting, Diaz declared it finished to the applause of the audience. The painting was auctioned off, bringing a winning bid of $6,700, with a portion going to Creative Waco.

Diaz’s paintings are on view at Falcon and Owl through Sept. 20. An evening of art and flamenco guitars will bring the exhibit to a close.

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