Bright yellows, blues and reds radiate from the vibrant and vivid paintings that give color to the white walls inside the Schauerman Library.

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month,  Michelle Huarez-Taylor, artist and former EC student,  brings her Latin influence to campus.

The unnamed exhibit, which opened last week, displays a variety of Huarez-Taylor’s paintings along with other pieces that represent her personality.

“I did not put a name on any of my paintings this time, nor did I name the entire exhibit,” Huarez-Taylor said.

“I think it is important to let the viewer interpret the art themselves,” she added.

Under the artist name “Pinche Nichi,” Huarez-Taylor said she first started taking art classes at EC and eventually became influenced by Hector Silva, a well-known local artist, who inspired her to become involved in many art festivals and exhibits throughout the South Bay.

After many shows and much success, she is especially happy to have her work showcased on campus.

Huarez-Taylor said her art is a representation of her history and culture as well as a tribute to some of her favorite artists and musicians, including Diego Rivera and Billie Holliday.

“My art is just a reflection of myself as a person and my personal world,” she said. “I think it is important that people let out their feelings and emotions in their own personal way.”

“Everyone should have space to be creative and let their own imagination flow,” she said.

Hispanic heritage isn’t the only influence on Huarez-Taylor’s art; she said she is greatly enthused by folk, contemporary and underground artists.

These styles give her a burst of inspiration and emotion, she said.

“I don’t paint everyday. In order for me to paint, I need to have a burst of emotions or inspiration,” Huarez-Taylor said. “I tend to procrastinate at times.”

Not only is Huarez-Taylor well-versed in pop, contemporary and classical styles, she also uses many medias in her work including acrylics, charcoal and oil paints.

“Once I get to a point where I am ready to burst or I need to release that emotion, then I paint,” she said. “Especially if there is something important going on around me.”

Many of her paintings also reflect world issues.

One of her paintings titled,“El Mundo,” explains the transformation from an agricultural way of life to an industrial lifestyle, and how a young boy was affected by this change, she said.

As an acknowledgement to the children of the Middle East who have been lost in the midst of a war, she painted “Baby of the World.” With different races reflected in the painted hands holding a child, the message is that it takes a village to raise a child, Huarez-Taylor said.

And since the library looks to showcase local artists, Albert Romero, library technician and a member of the library art organization, chose Huarez-Taylor’s art because of the cultural message it carries.

“We thought her work was great for Hispanic Heritage Month,” he said.

With a passion for painting, Huarez-Taylor said she enjoys learning about people and incorporating that knowledge into her art.

“It gives me room to grow as a person and artist,” she said. “I am blessed to be in a time where everything is available and open.”

The artwork is on display throughout the month.

The library’s hours of operations are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday and 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday.