Kansas City, MO

Elina Jurado was born in Chicago, Illinois and raised in the ethnic city of Miami, Florida. Before moving to Kansas City to attend the Kansas City Art Institute to receive her BFA in Ceramics in 2013, she was deeply involved with the Panamanian folklore group Ballet Folklorico Aires Panameños; a non-profit organization dedicated to spreading the Panamanian culture through dance. Her functional vessels incorporate her inspirations from Panamanian folklore and explore the function of vessels in the home. Jurado’s work has led to her to intern with several studios in Kansas City and Miami, as well as being honored the Partnership Scholarship to attend a summer workshop at the Penland School of Craft in 2012. Elina has also exhibited in multiple shows at the Kansas City Art Institute, the most recent being the 2013 November Digital Debut at Red Star Studios.