Article Contributed on: 4/18/2008 2:10:29 PM
Return of the Corn Mothers a CHAC and Cinco Celebration of Soul!
Chicano Humanities and Art Council presents
Return of the Corn Mothers: A 30 Year celebration of CHAC
May 2nd- May 31st 2008
The Chicano Humanities and Art Council, 772 Santa Fe Drive, host a Cinco de Mayo and 30 year anniversary celebration with an extravaganza of art, story, food and music. To honor the success of Denver's oldest continually operating artist co-op dedicated to promoting the art and culture of Chicano/Latino art, a month long showcase titled, " Return of the Corn Mothers: A 30 year celebration of CHAC" will begin festivities with a free Cinco de Mayo/ First Friday concert by nationally renown L.A. based musician Martin Espino from the band Mexika, a blessing ceremony by Aztec Kapuli Huehueteotl and a meet and greet with the shows featured artist , free food, and spectacular art show on May 2nd from 6-9 p.m. at the CHAC gallery.
The theme of the show is based on the Pueblo mythology of the Corn Mothers who were said to have sung in the essence of all creation including the sacred Katchinas of the South West. The shows content is said to be one of the most unique exhibitions to come to Denver. The focal point of the showcase is a photo journalist exhibition of women from Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Texas who have earned accolades for their community activism and creative endeavors. This photo display was the recipient of the prestigious 2007/08 Rocky Mountain Women's Institute fellowship award and will begin a year long tour with the premier at CHAC. Todd Pierson the shows photographer is considered one of Colorado's most skilled portrait artist and has spared no expense in putting together a stunning show, said shows curator Renee Fajardo.
Legendary master embroidery folk artist Rita Wallace from Mexico is the tour de force with her never before seen story shawls depicting the life of important Mexican women in history. Joining these two artist will be three guest artist, Li Harding acclaimed African American sculptor, Evelyn Valdez Martinez national award winning San Luis Valley painter, and the late Robert Lopez Dussart a renown Native American portrait artist. CHAC visual artist Arlette Lucero of Art Reach fame known for her feminist art, Meggan De Anza award winning Santera and print artist, Holly Wasigner former Art Street community muralist, Santiago Jaramillo Aztec and Mexika muralist join rock and stone relief artist Mike Penny along with beat poet Suzanna Vega and storyteller Carl Ruby to bring together a dynamic mix of energy and talent .
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In keeping with the theme of the show every piece of art reflects the bounty of the earth, the regenerative nature of life and the contributions of women in through out the vast south west territories. It is a deeply emotional show full of color and texture. From the intricate weavings of Mexico to the vibrant paintings of the Tarahumara to the almost ethereal stone carvings this is a show that wills conjure images of the ancient while promising a new beginning. "It is something you would expect to see in Santa Fe" said long time CHAC board member Stevon Lucero, an internationally recognized Chicano visionary. "It is so full of diverse mediums and cutting edge work."
Lucero added "This is kick off celebration is just the beginning of a whole month and a whole year of special events to really express the talent and power behind CHAC's success. Martin Espino came all the way from California to be here for this event and the work is beyond imagination. This is the cream of the crop. It is one event not to miss.....museum quality work by real living legends, mind blowing!"
Lucero also pointed out that the " CHAC" experience is about the mixture of cultural heritage within the Chicano community including Mexican, Indian, European, Asian and African influences. The gallery also received a special donation from Yoko Ono for auction in honor of their 30 year anniversary.
The May 2nd celebration features a free concert at 8pm by Martin Espino who tours the United States and Mexico highlighting native instruments and music from the Americas. This will be his first visit to Denver. Colorado Folk Arts Council have made it possible for Martin Espino to tour Colorado for the week prior to this concert. He will also perform two free concerts on May 5th at 11:30 am and 1pm at the Aurora Fox Theater 9900 E. Colfax in Aurora.
Special workshops and lectures will take place through out May:
May 2nd Grand Fiesta celebration 6-9pm, May 3rd Spoken Word Poetry Slam 1pm and Storytelling 2-3pm ( CHAC Norte), May 10th Finding Meaning In Universal Symbols lecture 2pm ( CHAC Norte), May 17th Setting up the Environmental Portrait 1pm and Painting Sacred Places demo 2pm (CHAC Norte) and Children's Sculptor Workshop CHAC (Main Gallery) 2pm, May 24th Creating Ritual Workshop ( CHAC Norte) 2pm and May 31st Open Poetry ( CHAC Gardens) 2pm.
For more info contact CHAC at 303-571-0441 or visit www. Chacweb.org. or call the CFAC at 720-329-0869.
Artist Bios
Meggan De Anza learned how to make santos by viewing images in museums and then attempting to make them herself. As an influential art teacher, she's taught about santos at the Denver Art Museum, the Museo de las Americas, the Public Education Coalition, Artes del Pueblo, the Chicano Humanities and Arts Council, the Chile Harvest Festival, and the Aurora Historical Society. DeAnza is one of 194 artists profiled in the book titled "Contemporary Chicana and Chicano Art-Artists, Works, Culture, and Education Volumes 1&2."
Li Hardison a native of Harlem is a figurative sculptor. She has