MINNEAPOLIS–(HISPANIC PR WIRE)–October 21, 2002–Presented by Target Stores and sponsored by Hewlett-Packard, Chicano, an unprecedented art exhibit, will open to the public at the National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque, N.M., on February 1, 2003. Chicano is a five-year, 15 city national tour that is collectively made up of Chicano Visions: American Painters on the Verge, a traditional art exhibit, and Chicano Now: American Expressions, an interactive multimedia exhibit for families. Chicano first opened in November 2001 at the San Antonio Museum of Art and The Alameda. Chicano is currently on view at the Smithsonian Institute Arts & Industries Building in Washington, DC through January 5, 2003.
Chicano will remain on exhibit at the National Hispanic Cultural Center through May 18, 2003. According to Dr. Helen R. Lucero, director of the art museum at the center, “We are honored to be one of the national venues for these two very important exhibitions. Chicano Visions includes many significant works of art by Chicano masters of contemporary painting, a number of which are destined to enter the canon of United States art history, regardless of the artists’ ethnicity. Chicano Now offers a dynamic introduction to the concept of a distinct Chicano identity within our nation’s many diverse cultures.”
Inspired and directed by Cheech Marin’s vision to highlight expressions of Chicano culture, Chicano presents the diverse voices of today’s Chicanos. “We’re bringing our interpretation of the Chicano experience to the American public,” says Marin. “I want all Americans to understand that Chicano culture plays a big part in the patchwork quilt that is Americana. The contributions of Chicanos have been so enormous, but they tend to be overlooked.”
Chicano Visions: American Painters on the Verge showcases a wide variety of Chicano visual art. Curated by Rene Yáñez, the exhibition features approximately 50 works by more than 20 artists, including Carlos Almaraz, Frank Romero, Gronk, Patssi Valdez, George Yepes, Rupert García, Leo Limón, Margaret García and Eloy Torres. The works, which present images of urban life and the Chicano experience, date between 1969 and 2001. While the majority of the works are drawn from the personal art collection of Cheech Marin, some are on loan from other collectors and institutions.
Chicano Visions: American Painters on the Verge is viewed simultaneously with Chicano Now: American Expressions, a multi-media exhibit, which offers expressions of Chicano cultural style through the eyes of the nation’s premiere Chicano and Chicana performing and independent film artists. For more information on Chicano visit http://www.chicano-art-life.com.
“Target is pleased to share this national treasure with all of New Mexico,” said Laysha Ward, director of community relations for Target Corporation. “Chicano Visions is an unrivaled exhibit of Chicano art that shines a spotlight on a culture rich in values and tradition, yet a culture too often overlooked.”
“The social, cultural and political impact of Chicano life has been a mainstay in America since the birth of our country, and this wonderful exhibit provides a real up-close look at the lives and contributions of the Chicano people,” said Art Price, manager of Hewlett-Packard’s multicultural marketing program. “Hewlett-Packard is delighted to play a role in helping the public celebrate a slice of American life.”
About the National Hispanic Cultural Center
The National Hispanic Cultural Center opened in October 2000 to preserve, promote, and celebrate Hispanic/Latino cultures at the state, national, and international levels. The Center supports programs in the areas of Visual Arts, Research and Literary Arts, Performing Arts, and
Education.
The National Hispanic Cultural Center is located at 1701 4th Street SW, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102. The Art Museum is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Tuesday through Sunday. Admission price is $3.00 for adults, $2.00 for seniors, and free for children 16 and under. For additional information please call (505) 246-2261.
About Target Stores
Minneapolis-based Target Stores serves guests at 1,148 stores in 47 states nationwide by delivering today’s best retail trends at affordable prices. Whether visiting a Target store or shopping online at target.com, guests enjoy a fun and convenient shopping experience with access to thousands of unique and highly differentiated items. Target Stores, along with its parent company Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT), gives back more than $2 million each week to its local communities through grants and special programs. Since opening its first store in 1962, Target has partnered with nonprofit organizations, guests and team members to help meet community needs.
About Clear Channel Exhibitions
Clear Channel Exhibitions, a division of Clear Channel Entertainment, is based in San Antonio, Texas. CCE is a world leader in providing high quality, state-of-the-art educational family experiences, and produces exhibits in collaboration with more than 200 leading museums and research institutions.
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CONTACTS:
Target Stores
Douglas Kline; (612) 696-3444
or
National Hispanic Cultural Center
Andrew Connors; (505) 246-2261 ext.116
or
cruz/kravetz:IDEAS
Anita Albán; (310) 966-1266
