Sandra Belitza-Vazquez has been hooked on photography since grade school when she realized her camera could forever preserve precious moments in time. With her camera always ready and her spirit of adventure and curiosity about the world, she has been on a lifelong journey exploring the human condition, nature's enduring beauty, and humankind's often awesome constructs.
With a Bachelor's in Anthropology from Queens College (CUNY), Ms. Belitza-Vazquez decided to continue her formal education in Mexico, where she found countless opportunities to document life in indigenous communities. Since earning her Master's in Anthropology at the University of the Americas, her camera has captured Native American dance festivals and lifeways, precious archaeological artifacts, international flora and fauna, and countless dramatic landscapes. Her photos have been exhibited in museums, galleries, universities, and local venues in the United States and Mexico.
Ms. Belitza-Vazquez has participated in over 90 solo and juried group exhibits in Mexico and the U.S., including the National Museum of Anthropology and History in Mexico City, Alliance Francaise in Mexico City, Federal Hall in New York City; Oxford Arts Alliance Gallery in Pennsylvania, The Howland Cultural Center in Beacon, N.Y; the Cooperstown Art Association in Cooperstown, N.Y; The Garrison Art Center in Garrison, N.Y; Arts Society of Kingston in Kingston, NY; Gallery 40 in Poughkeepsie, NY; Catskill Creative Art in Wurtsboro, NY; and Emerge Gallery through Artsy.net. Her online exhibitions include sixteen of Manhattan Arts International's "Her Story," "The Healing Power of Art," "The Healing Power of Color, “The Healing Power of Art: Love, Peace, Unity & Hope 2023,” and “The Healing Power of Art Inspired by Nature" exhibits which garnered her several awards of excellence, a Special Recognition Award, and a One-year Membership in The Healing Power of Art and Artists website. "Ugandan Gorilla" won First Place in Animal Portraits from Photo District News in 2020. Her photo of two adorable chipmunks was a 2021 National Wildlife Federation greeting card, and her photo of Bryce Canyon became a National Wildlife Federation greeting card in 2022. J. Mane Gallery awarded her a Platinum, Gold, and Bronze award for their last three monthly competitions.
Ms. Belitza-Vazquez is one of seven photographers invited by the Howland Cultural Center in Beacon, NY, to participate in the “Focus on Photographers” exhibit from January 13 - February 25, 2024.Two celebrated photographers - four-time Pulitzer Prize winner William Snyder and the world-renowned photojournalist David Burnett - are fellow exhibitors.
Her book documenting the indigenous dance festival of the state of Puebla, Mexico, “Huey Atlixcayotl - The Art in the Gaze,” was published by the Office of the Secretary of Culture of the State of Puebla in November 2023. The book is being distributed to all the schools, universities, museums, libraries, and cultural centers throughout the state because of its historical significance.
In November 2020, Ms. Belitza-Vazquez learned the technique of scanner photography from Ellen Hoverkamp, a master of the genre. She has been creating photographs using her flatbed scanner ever since.
Between October 2020 and March 2021, she wrote and self-published three bilingual children's books about the birds and insects visiting her backyard. You can preview the books here: https://www.sbvaz.com/books/.
Several of her photographs are available for purchase as clothing, hats, mouse pads, shower curtains, and other household items in her Redbubble store: https://www.redbubble.com/people/Fotografa/shop.
