Dear Friends,
Mestizo Institute of Culture & Arts was present and happening this year! Your invaluable participation in our cultural events, art exhibitions, educational programs, workshops, and fundraisers demonstrated the remarkable demand to strengthen and build community through art. Indeed your presence was felt throughout the year, especially at the 1st anniversary celebration of the home—Mestizo Coffeehouse—of Mestizo Institute of Culture & Arts (non-profit) and the launching of its Fundraiser project intended to sustain programming for the years to come in our future museum. (continued below)
Current Exhibit
This year Mestizo Institute of Culture & Arts received recognition, while also continuing our strong partnerships with Mestizo Arts and Activism, University Neighborhood Partners, NeighborWorks, and others. We had, and continue to have, an incredible number of volunteers engage in various projects.
In order to maintain the growing space, place, and programming at Mestizo Institute of Culture & Arts in 2010 we need increased dedication and sponsorship as well. Please consider making a year-end contribution.
The year 2009 began with the remarkable Art Exhibit JABU, which was followed by the brilliant Art Exhibit CÉSAR CHÁVEZ featuring the work of David Maestas, Veronica Perez, Brittney Flores, Jose Carrasco, Gina Alvarez, as well as students from the Salt Lake School District. By mid-year there was grand focus on the graffiti Art Exhibit "SILENCED NO MORE" by 136 Krew, which sold many of its pieces in no time! Who can forget the Mestizo Coffeehouse 1st Anniversary "Day of Community, Celebration, Workshops, and Dance," featuring the the work of nationally known PHOTOGRAPHER FRANCISCO DOMINGUEZ, from the Sacramento Valley. The day and evening events drew hundreds of community members that expressed their unconditional support! Many of them were given delicious cake too. To continue celebrating into the month of September, we featured an art exhibit by POSTER MAKER XICO GONZALEZ, also from the Sacramento Valley. This exhibit was so politically appropriate for celebrating independence in Mexico and other parts of Latin America!
In spite of our success with art and cultural events, in a time of economic hardship, Mestizo Institute of Culture & Arts found itself having to organize and orchestrate a Fundraiser Kickoff Party called "Farewell Terry: Five Million Dollar Fund Launch," in order to sustain its location and future programming in the first museum in the Westside of Salt Lake City. Writer (and Mestizo Institute of Culture & Arts Board Member) Terry Hurst set out on a bicycle tour to get the word out on the fundraiser. He has managed to galvanize support from the local and national community. Please visit the fundraiser website, his blog, his facebook, etc.
The fundraiser efforts have continued while simultaneously organizing on the art front, particularly in presenting the cutting edge photo exhibit entitled "Euro Trash" by RUBEN POPOCA this fall. Then, in an effort to deeply recognize the human rights work of activist artists we have sought to present "TODOS SOMOS CHIAPAS" by Melanie Cervantes, Jesus Barraza, Lola Reyes, Huno, Vicky Lowe, Arturo Torres, Veronica Perez, Luciano Marzulli, and others.
The idea of building community through art has been an everyday practice at Mestizo Institute of Culture & Arts through its programs, exhibits, and workshops. We encourage you to continue participating and claiming this as your space and place, to further cultivate your creativity, talent, and relationships ultimately for your wellbeing and that of our community.
Your generous contributions will make culture and educational programming in 2010 and beyond! Help Mestizo Institute of Cultural & Arts make 2010 a reality and create the museum for the community. Please help us meet our year end fundraising goals by giving generously today. Click below to help us keep all this programming going!