Brunilda Molinari Jimenez: The Inspirational Mosaic Artist Who Founded a Second Family

93-Year-Old Widow Finds Passion in Mosaic Art

After the loss of her husband, Brunilda Molinari Jimenez sought solace and enrichment at the Atelier del Mosaico. Now, six years later, at the age of 93, she has become one of the most remarkable students, with several of her pieces showcased at the Expo 2023 Mosaic: “Evolution, Transformation, and Transcendence”.

A Remarkable Journey from Rio Pedrera to the University of Puerto Rico

Born in Rio Pedrera, Brunilda was among the few women who attended the University of Puerto Rico (UPR) in the 1940s. She pursued studies in Humanities and worked as an editor at the UPR Publishing House for 32 years while raising her eight children alongside her husband. Reflecting on that period, Brunilda fondly recalls it as the golden age of the university, working under the guidance of Mr. Jaime Benítez, the esteemed rector and later president of the institution.

“I had the privilege of working with exceptional bosses. Dr. Francisco Ayala, in particular, appreciated and acknowledged my editing work in his book,” reminisces Brunilda, whose late husband, José “Pepito” Rexach García, was a renowned basketball player for Los Cardenales de Río Piedras.

After retiring and caring for her ailing husband, Brunilda found herself at a crossroads. At the age of 87, her eldest daughter encouraged her to explore new interests. She reached out to Luis Rivera, the owner of Atelier del Mosaico, and embarked on a new chapter in her life. Despite her initial reluctance towards smartphones, she adapted to the modern world and even used Uber to travel to the workshop.

A Therapeutic Journey of Self-Discovery

Since joining the Atelier del Mosaico, Brunilda has not missed a single Friday at the workshop. Mosaic art has become her therapy, providing a much-needed respite from her caregiving responsibilities. With no prior knowledge of crystals or glasswork, she embraced the art form with open arms, thanks to the support and guidance of her daughter and the workshop instructors.

“Working with glass allows me to shape and infuse life into something cold and hard. It’s a way for me to express my emotions and create something meaningful,” explains Brunilda. Her dedication and talent have not gone unnoticed, as she was recognized by the Atelier del Mosaico in 2021 for her exceptional contributions to the world of art. Her works are known for their strength, creativity, originality, sense of humor, and fearless demeanor.

“I want to inspire others who are in a similar stage of life, showing them that they can pursue new passions and discover hidden talents,” declares Brunilda, who serves as an example and inspiration to mosaic students of all ages.

From Architecture to Mosaic: Luis Alberto Rivera Torres

Luis Alberto Rivera Torres, an architect by profession, has become a mentor to countless individuals seeking to explore the art of mosaics. His journey began with a desire to pursue his artistic aspirations, leading him to enroll in a basic mosaic class at the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Puerto Rico 18 years ago.

Although the museum did not offer advanced classes, Luis took the basic course multiple times and created a series of 40 works that were exhibited in New York. Impressed by his talent and dedication, the museum teacher recommended him as a teacher, and he spent three years imparting his knowledge while further educating himself in various mosaic techniques and trends.

Fifteen years ago, Luis founded the Atelier del Mosaico to expand his creative freedom as a teacher and offer a broader range of educational opportunities. Over the years, he has developed 15 different courses and has trained over 10,000 individuals. His impact extends beyond teaching technical skills; he instills architectural concepts such as depth, scale, and proportion in his students.

Luis takes pride in the diverse group of students he has nurtured, including those who had no prior experience in mosaic art. He encourages them to explore unconventional materials, such as nails, washers, straws, and pencils, resulting in unique and captivating works. The ongoing exhibition at the Plaza Las Américas shopping center showcases the remarkable creativity and innovation of his students.

“I challenge my students to think outside the box. By giving them unexpected materials, I push them to unleash their creativity and create something extraordinary,” explains Luis, who continues to inspire and empower aspiring mosaic artists.