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Corn Mothers, Cinco and Music, Oh My

Contributed by: renee fajardo on 4/9/2008

Chicano Humanities and Art Council presents
Return of the Corn Mothers: A 30 Year celebration of CHAC
May 2nd- May 31st 2008

For Immediate Release
Contact: Crystal O' Brien
303-571-0441
or Renee Fajardo 720-329-0869

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. We will 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 Huehueteotl Danza Azteca, a meet and greet with the shows featured artist, free food, and spectacular art show on May 2nd from 6:00 p.m.- 9:00 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 Rita are the work of three guest artists 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 will also recognize 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 .

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 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 comes 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 has 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 a.m and 1:00 p.m. 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 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. May 3rd Spoken Word Poetry Slam 1:00 p.m. and Storytelling 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. ( CHAC Norte), May 10th Finding Meaning In Universal Symbols lecture 2:00 p.m. ( CHAC Norte), May 17th Setting up the Environmental Portrait 1:00 p.m. and Painting Sacred Places demo 2:00 p.m (CHAC Norte) and Children's Sculptor Workshop CHAC (Main Gallery) 2:00 p.m, May 24th Creating Ritual Workshop ( CHAC Norte) 2:00 p.m. and May 31st Open Poetry ( CHAC Gardens) 2:00 p.m.

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 created a body of work that includes both public and private commissions. Li has expressed the complexity and passion of the human spirit thru her art. She has honored the dignity and strength of women and African American women in particular. She is currently creating an ongoing series of sculptures that honor the achievements of black women artists in all genres of artistic endeavor. The depiction of these women as they manifest their hopes and dreams is an effort to speak to young artists. It is a means by which to emphasize the critical role the creation of art plays in contributing to the emotional, psychological, and spiritual wholeness of human beings.
Holly Wasigner is a local visual artist who has been drawing and painting for over 20 years. Her work has always been strongly influenced by female archetype iconography and she welcomes the chance to celebrate both indigenous women and motherhood. She dedicates he work to the matriarchs that planted the seeds of who we are, as well as the mothers of today. She was instrumental in the Art Street Project of the late 90's and is currently completing a master degree program in art therapy.

Santiago Jaramillo is a Colorado Native. He has a diverse range of artistic expressions, such as abstract, modern, cultural, and mixed media. He draws heavily on his cultural roots to inspire his paintings and carvings. Santiago is also known for his traditional drum and instrument making. He teaches workshops to inner city youth and disadvantage populations. He is the founder of the Aztec/Mexica dance, song and storytelling group named Chimatonalli that travels through out the state of Colorado.

Robert Lopez Dussart was a master portrait artist born in 1932 he captured the heart and soul of the wild west with his paintings and sketches. Known as one of the earliest Chicano artist to show commercially the decorated Korean War Veteran is lovingly remembered for his dedication to his cultural roots, family and community. He passed away on Feb 2nd 2008 while working on pieces for this show. He leaves behind some of his most stunning and pragmatic works about the life and destiny of a Colorado. His vision of this land and country is from a perspective that few have had the honor to witness.

Arlette Lucero earned a bachelor's degree in fine arts from the Colorado State University in Fort Collins and completed two years of graphic arts through the Community College of Denver. She has taught art education for over eight years in Colorado and is an active volunteer and current member at the Chicano Humanities and Arts Council of Denver. Lucero also has over 20 years of experience in graphic arts, painting, illustration, sculpture, and photography, and has been involved with a number of local nonprofits such as ArtsStreet, Art Reach, Colorado Cultural Connections, Museo de las Americas, Mizel Center for Arts and Culture, Kidzart and various other neighborhood organizations.

Mike Penny is a Denver Colorado native. His art reflects the customs, beliefs, and artistry of ancient civilizations. Combining the natural beauty of stone and the expressive texture of deep relief sand carving give his work the timeless beauty found in artifacts and one of a kind art tiles. Light is used to expose the tactile and visual texture of the stone and carve them into sparkling accents of light and shadows.

Todd Pierson was raised in Alaska where he received a hand-me-down Kodak instamatic at age 7. From those early photographs to the present, he has remained impassioned and enthralled with photography. Todd has been published in numerous Colorado newspapers and national magazines and freelances for EFE, the largest Spanish-language news agency in the world. His photographs have run in publications as far away as Uruguay. Todd balances his photojournalism and editorial work with commercial photography in Denver, Colorado.
Carl Ruby is a first generation American of German parents. He was born in Syracuse, New York, and moved to a farm of one hundred acres in central New York where he grew up. Carl is a two-tour Vietnam Navy veteran serving with Reconnaissance Attack Squadron Seven. After his military service he obtained a Bachelors of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Western New Mexico University at Silver City, New Mexico, and a Masters of Arts Degree in Educational Media from the University of Northern Colorado at Greeley, Colorado. Carl is a retired educator with thirty years of service mostly in the Jefferson County R1 School District in Colorado and co-author of four children's books , the Holy Mole Guacamole Tummy Tale Series.

Evelyn Valdez Martinez both of Evelyn's grandmothers were healers in their small communities of San Luis, and San Acacio. They visited ailing neighbors with their healing herbs; and prepared medical teas, linaments and poltices. Evelyn saw the love and compassion that these strong women in her life demonstrated. She feels that these examples taught her to be sensitive to other peoples pain, both physical and emotional. It infused in her, a deep sense, that all humanity is linked as one. . This human connection is an important part of her work with, and the paintings she is producing from her visits with the Tarahumara Indians of the Barrancas de Cobre in Chihuahua, Mexico. Southwest Art and American Artist magazines selected one of her paintings to represented New Mexico's Wilderness, in a fund raising project. This project helped pass a bill through congress, making over a thousand acres in central New Mexico, designated 'Wilderness'. This wilderness will be protected in it's natural state, forever.

Suzanna Vega has been involved with CHAC for over 20 years. She has served in a multitude of areas including: administrative assistant to 5 executive directors, assistant to DOA Art Project Coordinator, created & coordinated CHAC's Tertulia, and served as secretary to the board of directors. Suzan came to her passion upon discovering CHAC which she found to be an oasis amidst a cultural wasteland for Chicano/Latino artistic expression. She writes poetry among other veins such as short stories and plays. Her work encompasses her feelings on oppression highlighting wonders of humanity and mother earth among many other thoughts.

Rita Wallace is the states a leading expert on Mexican Art, culture and indígenous traditions. She is passionate about transmitting her vast knowledge from one generation to another and helping Mexican Immigrant families maintain the strength of their culture as they embrace the American way of life. Rita does outstanding work in bridging cultures in schools and communities through artistic educational presentations and workshops. She is the quintessential Corn Mother of this show in that she is not only the elder but also has received numerous awards from the Colorado Council on the Arts recognizing her as a master folk artist and arts educator. Rita passes on the traditional arts of embroidery, flower making, weaving, and other hand crafts that are being long forgotten in a throw away culture.
Renee Fajardo is a freelance writer who has lived in Colorado her whole life. She travels throughout the South West collecting the folklore and stories of every day hero's She and her seven children perform storytelling and dance workshops in a professional troupe. She was awarded a Rocky Mountain Women's Institute Fellowship Award for her project Return of the Corn Mothers. She also has co-authored four children's books with Carl Ruby. She believes that writing is the way to open the heart and free the spirit





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CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

renee fajardo

arvada , CO

renee fajardo has posted 142 stories and 0 comments since joining on 4/1/2006. renee fajardo 's average story rating is 5.
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