Courtesy of Robert Ortiz Photography Nashua artist Manny Ramirez

MANCHESTER — The works of artists Manuel “Phelany” Ramirez and Cecilia Ulibarri, owners of Nashua-based Positive Street Art, will be featured Friday evening at The Factory on Willow, a new residential complex that includes an ampitheater, incubator space, outdoor cafes and art space at 252 Willow St.

The showcase runs from 5-9 p.m. There is no charge, but registration is requested via Eventbrite at shorturl.at/euKPW.

Ramirez and Ulibarri took part in The Factory on Willow’s artists-in-residence program, a three-month program that they described as “an exciting time of growth and development” at which both “were able to share their voice and passion in new ways.”

“This is an introspective showcase to rediscover Self,” Ulibarri said, adding that “this has been a journey for both of us, in the sense of digging deep, looking inward and expressing that into our work.

“We have taken advantage of this opportunity to explore different mediums and art techniques that we have not had the chance, or time, to discover before.”

Courtesy photo Nashua artist Cecilia Ulibarri (Courtesy photo)

She explored using alcohol inks, foils, texture mediums and resin to create the eclectic collection, while Ramirez — who prefers “Phelany” as his artist name — explored abstraction through blending colors inspired by light refraction, with subtle suggestions of form, such as the female body or everyday objects.”

Ramirez’s residency experience is significant in two ways. This showcase exhibit is his first-ever collection of works, despite decades as a working artist. Secondly, as a sought-after and well-known large-scale muralist in Nashua and other locations, Ramirez has generally had his subject matter assigned to him. “This residency was his first opportunity to create pieces that are not solely representational art, but rather, abstract and from his own creative inspiration,” Ulibarri said of Ramirez.

The artists will present more than two dozen new works in the showcase. One piece from each artist will be left behind with The Factory on Willow, as part of the agreement artists-in-residence have with the ownership.

The rest of their artwork will be available for purchase.

“This experience has opened us up to new perspectives and broadened our convictions of what art is to us and how we want to be perceived,” Ulibarri said, adding that she and Ramirez will gladly answer visitors’ questions.

Dean Shalhoup may be reached at 594-1256 or dshalhoup@nashuatelegraph.com.