On Jan. 28, 19-year-old artist Alexus Cruz of Cranston, pictured at left, opened her art exhibit at the Artists’ Exchange for family, friends, and the public. Inspired by her late grandmother, the exhibit is a collection of her favorite pop icons. Her goal is to sell every portrait, which will be on display until the end of the month, and donate 50 percent of the proceeds to Rhode Island Hospital’s Cancer Center. Cruz, a graduate of Cranston High School East, is now a nursing student at CCRI. Approximately 50 people were in attendance throughout the evening art opening reception. Above, pictured with an original pop icon art piece is Julie Bueno, the mother of Cranston artist Alexus Cruz. The painting of Marilyn Monroe was Julie’s mother’s favorite. (Herald photos by Steve Popiel)