Mestizo Institute of Culture & Arts History

OUR MISSION is to strengthen and build community through arts, civic engagement, and dialogue. We provide space to those who engage community through their work, are from underrepresented communities, or use art as a tool for social change.

The idea for a diverse gallery was created in 2002 by community-based artist Ruby Chacón and writer Terry Hurst. This was the first attempt to create a permanent institution in Salt Lake City, Utah, that would promote creative art projects from members of underrepresented communities, as well as promote cross-cultural dialogue. This idea received broad-based community support. Therefore, in 2003, partnerships were made with community members and organizations to form a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization -- the Mestizo Institute of Culture & Arts.

For the first few years, the Mestizo Institute of Culture & Arts had no physical space of its own, but its impact and presence remained large. In 2008, the non-profit established a home when it opened its doors with the Mestizo Coffeehouse to support the first art gallery on Salt Lake's Westside.

Since its inception, Mestizo Institute of Culture & Arts has promoted and exhibited local artists as well as national and internationally recognized artists. These include: George Yepes (Los Angeles), Maestro Vladimir Cora (Mexico), Simón Silva (Los Angeles), Artemio Rodriguez (Los Angeles), LisaNa Redbear (Salt Lake), Guillermo Colmenero (Mexico), Juan Rosillo (Colombia), Gaspar Enriquez (Texas) and many more.

The non-profit has conducted various workshops like drawing and muralism. In partnership with organizations like public-television affiliate KUED, the organization has facilitated important panel discussions based on resident concerns. Guest poets/spoken word artists like Franciso X. Alarcón (Davis), Liz Huerta (San Diego) and numerous musicians have performed for the local community. The organization has provided mentor services for emerging artists which include preparing them for their first exhibits, assisting in getting them into other galleries, and connecting them with commissions and teaching jobs.

It has celebrated and brought into the forefront important figures in history like César Chávez, Pablo Neruda, Gloria Anzaldua, and Frida Kahlo. It has participated in collaborations and partnerships with people and groups including Self Help Graphics, Utah Coalition of La Raza Youth Leadership Conference, Kimball Art Center, Office of Hispanic Affairs, University of Utah, and TRASA Urban Arts.

Timeline

MICA was listed as cosponsor of Art Exhibits 2002-2006 for the UHAF What about participation of MICA artists and interns in the FACE OFF 337 Garage door painting project June 12-June 13 2009? Participation of MICA artists and interns in completing Phase 1 of the BOB project? Sept. 23? Or was it October?
2009, Dec to 2010, JanGallery Exhibit "Todos Somos Chiapas" by Melanie Cervantes, Jesus Barraza, Lola Reyes, Huno, Vicky Lowe, Arturo Torres, Veronica Perez and Luciano Marzulli
2009, Oct to NovGallery Exhibit "Euro Trash" by Ruben Popoca
2009, SeptFundraiser Kickoff Party "Farewell Terry: Five Million Dollar Fund Launch"
2009, Aug to SeptGallery Exhibit "REVOLTOSO: Selected works by Xico González" by Screen Printer/Activist Xico Gonzalez
2009, June 20Mestizo Coffeehouse 1st Anniversary "Day of Community, Celebration, Workshops, and Dance" with photographs by Francisco Dominguez
2009, June to JulyGallery Exhibit "Silenced No More" Graffiti Art by 136 Krew
2009, Mar to MayGallery Exhibit "César Chávez" by David Maestas, Veronica Perez, Brittney Flores, Jose Carrasco, and Gina Alvarez (Featuring: Salt Lake School District K-12 art contest)
2009, Jan to FebGallery Exhibit "Jabu"
2008, DecGallery Exhibit "Community Art" by B.O.B (Bridges over Barriers), Mosaic design process, and Northwest murals
2008, OctGallery Exhibit "Hip Hop Expressionism" by EJ Curry
2008, SeptGallery Exhibit for Resistance against Domestic Violence curated show by Trasa Urban Arts with Cat Palmer and Ruby Chacon
2008, AugGallery Exhibit by Aron Belka
2008, July to AugHosted Mujeres Activas en Letra y Cambio Social (MALCS) social and gallery exhibit by Deborah Vasquez, Veronica Perez, Lola Reyes, Brittney Flores, Lluviany Ceballos, Gina Alvarez, Rosalba Dominguez , Victoria Lyons, and Ruby Chacon
2008, JuneGallery Exhibit by Gaspar Enriquez, David Maestas, and another local artist
2008, June 20Grand Opening of Mestizo Coffeehouse and Mestizo Institute of Culture & Arts Gallery
2008Mestizo Arts & Activism partnership formed
2007Event with Artist Guillermo Colmenero at a local art studio
2005Event with Artist Artemio Rodriguez at the Public Library
2004, JuneEvent "Tribute to Writer Gloria Anzaldua" at the SLC Public Library
2004, SpringCollaborated with Utah State Governor’s Initiative on Families Today (GIFT) & Utah Office of Hispanic Affairs to lead Elementary School Mural Project in Wendover, Utah
2004, SpringAssisted with Salt Lake Community College Outreach Day
2004, MarCo-organized Youth Leadership Conference with Utah Coalition of La Raza
2004, Mar Leadership Retreat held at University of Utah
2005Collaborated with Kimball Art Center in displaying "Arte Latino" in Park City, Utah
2003, JuneEvent "Tribute to Poet Pablo Neruda"
2003Event with Guest Speaker Tomas Benitez, Executive Director of Self-help Graphics
2003, NovEvent "Dia de los Muertos" with Keynote Speaker Simon Silva
2003Founded non-profit Mestizo Institute of Culture & Arts
2002Event with Guest Speaker Francisco X. Alarcón, Poet
2002Gallery Exhibit by George Yepes, Juan Rosillo, Vladimir Cora, LisaNa Redbear, Guillermo Colmenero, Jorge Rojas, etc.
2002Mestizo Gallery created by Artist Ruby Chacon and Writer Terry Hurst

© 2010 Mestizo Institute of Culture & Arts