FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NOVEMBER 2009

Chicano Themed Art Exhibit Returns to The dA Center for the Arts in Pomona

Hands Across Atzlan

Exhibition Dates:

November 14 to November 28

Opening Reception: November 14, 2009, 6pm to 10pm

Business Mixer: November 19, 2009, 5pm to 8pm

Closing Reception: November 28, 2009, 6pm to 10pm

In November The dA Center for the Arts will be presenting our sixth annual Chicano art exhibit, rooted in Atzlan, the mythical Aztec promised land which was said to have existed in North America. This year’s exhibit is titled "Hands Across Atzlan," and will be curated by Frank Garcia and Rolo Castillo. The essence of the show is summed up in Frank’s words, “Hands Across Atzlan, symbolizes that Art is universal. The Chicano images and ideas that embody the spirit of our struggle can be shared by non-Chicano artists who also believe in the struggle, and ultimately embrace all of mankind’s struggle for equality and freedom.”

The Atzlan theme has served as the jumping off point for an ongoing 6 year project that focuses on the cultural demographic majority of the Pomona Valley and the unique cultural identity that this group has shared through the arts for over 40 years. In 2003, The dA presented "Returning to Atzlan," a truly landmark exhibit, which included many of the founding members of the Chicano Arts movement. Their art helped usher in an expanded civil rights consciousness and cultural awareness in L.A., California, the South Western U.S., all of North America, and finally the entire Western hemisphere. These cultural pioneers such as the art collective Los Four: Gilberto “Magu” Lujan, Frank Romero, Beto de la Rocha, and Carlos Almaraz; L.A. Streetscapers’: Wayne Healy, and David Botello; ASCO’s: Willy Herron, Gronk, Patssi Valdez, and Harry Gamboa; and other luminaries including Judy Baca had work in the exhibit and/or were present for the opening event.

That exhibit not only resonated with Pomona’s Chicano population but the Atzlan theme struck a cord with other Latinos and non-Latinos as well. The changing exhibit title each year reflects and acknowledges the exhibit’s transformation and amalgamation of cultures. They share similarities that originated as Pan-Latino roots but have become assimilated into the general culture of Southern California and the Southwestern United States. Or, one could ask, “Are the general cultural participants being assimilated into Atzlan?”

Following the success of "Returning to Atzlan," came "Atzlan La Familia." The third exhibit was "Emerging From Atzlan." The fourth was "Atzlan, Blurring the Line," and the fifth, our most recent, was "Popzlan." This year’s exhibit will continue the exploration of our diverse but merging cultures through, as Frank has said, "the universal language of ART."

SPECIAL EVENTS

Low Rider Car show will happen on opening night in front of the gallery, during the Pomona Arts Colony’s 2nd Saturday Artwalk.

Arts Colony Bingo is coming to the dA Gallery on November 21, fundraiser starts at 5pm.

The Aztlan exhibits are designed to impart community pride and serve as an outreach program targeting the “at-risk” youth population in and around the Inland Empire. Educational field trips and interactive lectures for area youth will be offered.

For additional information please contact Frank Garcia at: 909. 241.4249

The dA Center for the Arts is a community nonprofit organization

that has been promoting the arts in Pomona since 1984.

Hours during exhibit: Wednesday to Saturday noon - 4pm, open until 9pm on Thursdays

252 S Main St., Pomona, CA 91766 • 909-397-9716 • http://dacenter.org/