Thank you to everyone who came out to support Puzzle Out: Nine Across last night. I’m so proud to have been a part of this powerful exhibit, poetry readings, and musical performance by some of the region’s most powerful Latinex voices. Thank you to Shoreline City Hall and David Francis for hosting!
Did you miss the opening of Puzzle Out last night? That’s okay. Get a bag of chips and your favorite sip-sip and click on the Youtube link below to hear the program videotaped by my husband and creative partner, Scott Story of Bioluminous.
Raul Sanchez kicks off reading poetry from his book “All Our Brown Skinned Angels” at about 8 mins. Mariah Alicia Merino kicks off her ekphrastic poetry with a piece inspired by Hugo Moro‘s giclee entitled Captain of Industry II at about 22 mins. Anna Balint delivers her epic poetry about the political refugee crisis at about 32 mins. Weep with me at the ethereal and gut wrenching music of Eden Page (starts around 56 mins).
Are you curious about WHY I spent so much time and energy getting this together? Just like clues to a crossword puzzle, the artists in this program help resolve the galvanizing language and racist rhetoric that mark the historic election of 2016 and its aftermath. By celebrating the contributions of Latino/a/x creatives, this exhibit and event challenge racial stereotypes that deny just how vital to our thought leadership and cultural landscape is the varied voice of the Hispanic community.
In a city with a mere 6.6% Hispanic or Latino ethnic presence, the robust cultural contributions of these talented painters, graphic artists, sculptors, photographers, performers, and public artists far exceed their small number. These Latino/a/x artists reach across borders and lines with their work in the studio, the gallery, the academy, municipal office, and corporate world. They invite us to discover an art world that reaches audiences with open hands and hearts. Puzzle Out: 9 Across reminds us that the best the human spirit offers can never be confined by racial stereotypes.
Thank you to the amazing visual artists who agreed to lend their work to Shoreline through April 20, 2018. A remarkable commitment from art professionals who are always exhibiting.
Tracy Carrera, Juan Franco, Gabriel Marquez, Rene Julio, Ettie Wahl, Ulises Mariscal, Hugo Moro, Kristen T. Ramirez
