This past First Friday I decided to check out the Arizona Latino Arts & Cultural Center. Having hosted such past art exhibits as DIGNITY Art Exhibition: Celebrating the Need for Human Dignity and Cesar Chavez: ¡Si Se Puede!, I knew I was going to be in for a great time.
I was there to catch the opening of their new exhibit La Phoeniquera which runs through October 31st. According to a quote on the ALAC’s website from Linda Tórres, president of Advocates for Latino Arts and Culture, "The artists who created this work are living and breathing the changes that are unfolding right before our eyes, including the opening of our own cultural center."
The art that currently adorns the walls of their main gallery, Galería 147, is a fascinating look at some of the most contemporary and exquisite art I have been privileged to see. The work exemplifies genuine art. You can tell the artist has taken the love and hate inside them and transferred it into something physical.
While admiring all the wonderful pieces, I walked into the “Artists Against SB1070” room of the Center where artists and people from all over had expressed their contempt for the Senate Bill, while also leaving messages of unity and love. While I was in the middle of creating my own addition with provided colour pencils and magic markers, I met Bo Perez, the self-proclaimed youngest member of the ALAC’s team. He himself is an artist and has contributed some amazing work to the surrounding walls. An early contributer, Bo returned to see how the art project had changed and developed since he first made additions to the space.
The ALAC features more than just visual art. They also have had many musical performances and performing arts including: Latin-jazz singer Ruth Vichules, guitarist Simon Ames, Mariachi vocalist Olivia Calderon, DJ Johnny Lazoya, poet Francisco Garcia, and playwright James Garcia. This year they also brought to the gallery LET FRIDA REIGN: Art Exhibit and Birthday Celebration featuring the Phoenix Fridas Craft Collective, an event previously held at Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe.
I suggest making it to the Arizona Latino Arts & Cultural Center as soon as possible. Living in this state, you never know if our old, senile, half-witted, pathetic excuse for a life sheriff will try and shut the ALAC down. I have a feeling though that this place will long outlast his remaining days on this earth.
