Moments in Mexican American History in the Southwest, an historical look into Mexican-American history from the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (1848) to the present, is on display at The Collective in Lafayette. The exhibit of 23 panels combining text and images, was prepared by CU professors Dr. Arturo Aldama and Marjorie McIntosh. They are part of a traveling exhibit in Boulder County. The exhibit explores issues such as racism and discrimination as well as activism and social justice.
In addition to the historical exhibit, the paintings of Jerry Rael are on display. Denver artist Jerry Rael was born near the Bosque de los Caballos in a small house located in Jaroso, Colorado, about six miles north of the New Mexico state line. His paintings explore and pay homage to his Mestizo heritage, and address such issues as immigration, Standing Rock, and race. The bright colors and the mixed emotions in Rael's subjects are represented with a quality that suggests ghosts intertwined in a world where one doesn't know which is real or which is fantasy.
The satellite exhibit by the Lafayette Historical Society, made possible with the help of Frank Archuleta, Jr., features some of the Latino families who have contributed to Lafayette as veterans, leaders, athletes, activists, and coal miners. The exhibit gives a small glimpse into the impact and history that Latino families have made in the community.
The exhibit will be on display until Sunday, August 27.
The Collective Community Art Center will host two free community events in conjunction with the combined exhibition. A Community Conversation on Thursday, August 3, at 7 pm invites the public to join Dr. Arturo Aldama, Justine Vigil-Tapi, and Professor Marjorie McIntosh in a discussion the contributions Latinos have made to Lafayette’s history, the progress that has been made and what challenges remain. This event is free and open to all.
An Evening of Art & Poetry with artist Jerry Rael & Dr. Ramon Del Castillo will be held at The Collective on Friday, August 25 at 6:30pm. The public is invited to meet the artist and the poet. Poet Dr. Ramon Del Castillo, a professor from Metro State University, will read from his latest book Quetzales are not Extinct. Both Mr. Rael and Dr. Del Castillo will be part of a question and answer period after the reading. All are invited to enjoy the art, great conversation, and light appetizers throughout the evening. Wine will be available for purchase. This event is free and open to the public.
The Collective –Community Arts Center is a City of Lafayette facility managed by the Arts and Cultural Resources Department. The Collective Gallery is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays 10:00 am – 5:00 pm; Thursdays and Fridays 10:00 am – 7:00 pm and Saturdays 10:00 am – 5:00 pm; Sundays 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm. The Collective Gallery is closed on Mondays.
For more information visit www.cityoflafayette.com/collective.