Our Story
Suzanna Moroles, co-founder of MorolesArtCo, is the sister of late renowned granite sculptor Jesús Moroles. Over 30 years ago she joined Jesús in the early beginnings of his career working closely with his body of work while he flourished into worldwide acclaim. She strategically worked with over 40 museums worldwide including, but not limited to, the Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of American Art, Art in Embassies Program, various institutions, foundations, art centers, galleries, universities and corporations. Highlights attributed to her career include attending White House visits in 2008, with Jesús, both honored special guest to President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush for a Cinco De Mayo dinner and also attending when Jesús received the National Medal of the Arts awarded by President Bush on November 17, 2008, the highest arts honor. Suzanna, Jesús relied on her to take charge while he traveled around the world installing art and attending symposiums globally for up to six months at a time. Suzanna's curatoial expertise comes from working closely with curators, including Jesús’, on over 500 exhibitions collaborated together. She was continuously ironing out business logistics, art deals, contracts, preparations for projects globally, this is one of her strongest skills. A further 10-year curatorial experience exploded for Suzanna when Jesús founded Cerrillos Cultural Center C 3, multi-cultural, disciplinary center in NM (renamed Moroles Cultural Center). It held its first exhibition in 1996. Since Jesús’ passing June 2015, Suzanna began to rebuild by completing projects which involved continuing his legacy. Katie Robinson Edwards, curator of the Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum in Austin, met Suzanna and together they selected all works honoring Jesús in a 40-year Moroles art tribute. The exhibition had record-breaking attendance for Umlauf. A true visionary, with unmatchable experience from one of the greatest sculptors to ever live, Suzanna will continue to work in all facets of the art world.
Kurt Kangas, co-founder of MorolesArtCo, has vast knowledge and vision for creativity as an artist, sculptor, craftsman, master plumber. He began his work in the arts when Jesús hired Kurt as a sub-contractor on his fountain projects in 1987 which led to him to then working alongside Jesús in the studio. Kurt collaborated closely with Jesús on projects from design to fruition, working in the studio on almost every project's fabrication and installation. Since 1998 Kurt was in charge of the studio side of the business in Jesús' absence. Jesús traveled away from the studio for long periods of time, working oversees, installing projects, and making sales. Kurt handled all communications daily with Suzanna and Jesús to determine which projects had priority in the studio, and how to most efficiently create these projects and interacting with clients, architects and contractors involved with projects. Upon the tragic passing of Jesús in 2015, Kurt became the “Face” of Moroles on all projects and took on the leadership role. He solely and uniquely completed 5 of the open projects, which were fought to finish.
Upon the completion of the last of the 5 projects on July 31, 2016, the Estate of Jesús Moroles dissolved the employment of Suzanna, Kurt and Moroles Inc studio staff. It was a tragic time for the Moroles family and staff which had worked the studio along with Jesús’ father, José since the 1970's. José, Jesús’ father, retired early from his optical career in Dallas to help his son create his art studio in the late 70’s and his brother Hilario (“Lalo”) joining in the 80’s. Moroles Inc was very much a "family business" and we plan to continue that legacy here at MorolesArtCo.
Reflecting on the 2nd year of Jesús' passing, Suzanna, along with her life long partner Kurt Kangas, founded MorolesArtCo to honor her brother on June 15, 2017. It's a new platform to help museums and collectors with art restoration and conservation work on existing Moroles works of art, but not limited to Moroles work only. With their combined professional and artistic knowledge, they have the ability to create new spaces, art installations and many facets of detail which are needed in the specialty world of art today. Suzanna also shares her late brothers passion and love for the arts to aide and guide artists from all walks of life and all ages. Her vast knowledge from curating Jesús’ many exhibits is valuable for the artist in gaining achievements, awards and recognitions. She's committed to helping artists grow!
ART HAPPENS and we want to be your team.
Kurt Kangas, co-founder of MorolesArtCo, has vast knowledge and vision for creativity as an artist, sculptor, craftsman, master plumber. He began his work in the arts when Jesús hired Kurt as a sub-contractor on his fountain projects in 1987 which led to him to then working alongside Jesús in the studio. Kurt collaborated closely with Jesús on projects from design to fruition, working in the studio on almost every project's fabrication and installation. Since 1998 Kurt was in charge of the studio side of the business in Jesús' absence. Jesús traveled away from the studio for long periods of time, working oversees, installing projects, and making sales. Kurt handled all communications daily with Suzanna and Jesús to determine which projects had priority in the studio, and how to most efficiently create these projects and interacting with clients, architects and contractors involved with projects. Upon the tragic passing of Jesús in 2015, Kurt became the “Face” of Moroles on all projects and took on the leadership role. He solely and uniquely completed 5 of the open projects, which were fought to finish.
Upon the completion of the last of the 5 projects on July 31, 2016, the Estate of Jesús Moroles dissolved the employment of Suzanna, Kurt and Moroles Inc studio staff. It was a tragic time for the Moroles family and staff which had worked the studio along with Jesús’ father, José since the 1970's. José, Jesús’ father, retired early from his optical career in Dallas to help his son create his art studio in the late 70’s and his brother Hilario (“Lalo”) joining in the 80’s. Moroles Inc was very much a "family business" and we plan to continue that legacy here at MorolesArtCo.
Reflecting on the 2nd year of Jesús' passing, Suzanna, along with her life long partner Kurt Kangas, founded MorolesArtCo to honor her brother on June 15, 2017. It's a new platform to help museums and collectors with art restoration and conservation work on existing Moroles works of art, but not limited to Moroles work only. With their combined professional and artistic knowledge, they have the ability to create new spaces, art installations and many facets of detail which are needed in the specialty world of art today. Suzanna also shares her late brothers passion and love for the arts to aide and guide artists from all walks of life and all ages. Her vast knowledge from curating Jesús’ many exhibits is valuable for the artist in gaining achievements, awards and recognitions. She's committed to helping artists grow!
ART HAPPENS and we want to be your team.
