Above, Emilio Apontesierra, Palm Beach Gardens, works on his piece "COVIDA" in downtown West Palm Beach on Friday, December 4, 2020. Apontesierra was selected for a city project named The Commons: 15 Artists, 15 Spaces. "COVIDA" is a representation of a mother, a sister, a friend, a neighbor, someone who lost someone to COVID-19, Apontesierra said. "COVIDA" is holding a basket of face masks.
In 2022, Emilio received a grant from the pharmaceutical company Gilead in conjunction with Wake Forest Seminary to help raise awareness regarding HIV Stigma, especially in Latinx and Afro-American communities in Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. The Episcopal Church of St. Mary Magdalene and St. Martin was chosen as the recipient site in Broward. On February 25th, Emilio Apontesierra will hold an art workshop to allow people, through art to learn about HIV stigma and will have the chance, if qualified, to receive free health insurance. The workshop will lead to a permanent art installation raising awareness of HIV stigma on church grounds.
