www.chicano-art-life.com

Inspired and directed by Cheech Marin’s vision to highlight expressions of Chicano culture, “CHICANO” presents the many voices of today’s Chicanos via a traditional art exhibit “Chicano Visions: American Painters on the Verge” and a multi-media exhibit “Chicano Now: American Expressions.” The museum exhibit duo is presented by Target Stores and sponsored by Hewlett-Packard Company. CHICANO will travel to cities across North America during its five-year tour. A memorable experience, CHICANO presents art, style and culture in an accessible, entertaining and accurate fashion.

CHICANO debuted in San Antonio, Texas. The San Antonio Museum of Art hosted Chicano Visions: American Painters on the Verge, while The Alameda’s Museo Americano hosted Chicano Now: American Expressions. The exhibits have appeared at the Smithsonian Institution, and are on view May 30-Sept. 12, 2004 at the Museum of Contemporary Art, San Diego-Downtown (Chicano Now), and at the Museum of Contemporary Art, San Diego-La Jolla (Chicano Visions).

Chicano Now: American Expressions

Chicano Now: American Expressions, a 5,000-square-foot interactive exhibit, is produced in collaboration with actor/entertainer and prolific art collector Cheech Marin. With his guidance and support, the exhibit weaves tradition, history and, of course, humor into a multi-media expression of the lives and rich contributions of Chicanos. What it means to be Chicano is little understood. Chicanos have had a profound influence on this country's customs, food, fashion, music, language, religion, sports and more. America's Mexican heritage predates the formation of our country. Chicano ancestors have been here since before the Pilgrims, before the Founding Fathers, before the United States itself. The fabric of America includes a Chicano strain so strong, so essential, that it blends seamlessly into the whole. Chicano Now is on view at the Museum of Contemporary Art, San Diego-Downtown, May 30 - Sept. 12, 2004.

Chicano Now shines a spotlight on this rich culture. Chicano Now is an exuberant outpouring of American Expressions.

Chicano Now explodes stereotypes, inspiring an appreciation of Chicano achievements and contributions. Chicano Now emphasizes that every kid has a chance and a choice. Chicano Now features custom, original art, three-dimensional environments, original performances, film/video presentations, music, history, artifacts, interactives and more. Chicano Now introduces Chicano expressions to the uninitiated, allowing them to experience the impact and joy of Chicano contributions to the American mainstream.

Content Collaborators:
Hispanic Scholarship Fund
Cheech Marin, Actor/Entertainer

Contributors:
Culture Clash
Cheech Marin
Guillermo Gómez-Peña
George López
Cheech Marin
Lourdes Portillo
Paul Rodrìguez
Robert Rodrìguez
Gustavo Vazquez

Chicano Visions: American Painters on
the Verge

On view at the Museum of Contemporary Art, San Diego-La Jolla, Chicano Visions American Painters on the Verge is a traditional art exhibit presenting the works of a wide range of the country’s Chicano and Chicana artists. Veteran artist, curator and facilitator Rene Yáñez curates the unparalleled exhibit which is predominately comprised of pieces from actor/entertainer Cheech Marin's private collection. Featuring the work of 26 artists, Chicano Visions is one of the most powerful Chicano art exhibitions to travel nationwide, and includes approximately 50 paintings and pastels at the National Hispanic Cultural Center.

Presented by Target Stores and sponsored by Hewlett-Packard Company, the exhibit serves to advance and support the cause to establish Chicano art as a recognized school of art, while helping inspire a new generation of artists and art enthusiasts within our communities.

The majority of Chicano Visions: American Painters on the Verge is comprised of paintings of oil or acrylic on canvas, and pastel drawings.

Contributing Artists:

Corporate Sponsors:
Target Stores
Hewlett-Packard Company

Content Collaborators:
Hispanic Scholarship Fund
Cheech Marin, Actor/Entertainer

Now Showing:
San Diego, California
San Diego Museum of Contemporary Art
May 29, 2004 - September 12, 2004

Past Venues :
The Alameda/Museo Americanos, San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio Museum of Art, San Antonio, Texas
Smithsonian Institution, Washington DC
National Hispanic Cultural Center, Albequerque,
New Mexico
El Paso Museum of Art, El Paso, Texas
Insights El Paso Museum of Science, El Paso, Texas
Indiana State Museum, Indianapolis, Indiana

Lease Information:
Call Michele Stevens at 210-599-0045.