During the solitude of the early COVID pandemic, many people used the time to revive interests and hobbies they once enjoyed. 

Those folks can probably relate to the story of Raspy Rivera, whose acting career was derailed by an injury in 2020. But she says that injury wound up being a life-changing gift.

Here, Rivera gives “la ultima palabra” on what started as a fall — literally — gave rise to a world of possibility.

You can get face-to-face with Rivera’s work at the Emily Hotel in Fulton Market. Her work is also on display at Cherry Mountain Arts in River West through October.