Nepantla Dreams

For immediate release:

FINE ARTS GALLERY
California State University, Los Angeles
In conjunction with
The Consulate General of Mexico
Presents
NEPANTLA DREAMS: Cal-Mex State L.A.

The Fine Arts Gallery at California State University, Los Angeles, in conjunction with the Consulate General of Mexico, announces an upcoming exhibition, NEPANTLA DREAMS: Cal-Mex State L.A., presented concurrently at both venues and featuring the work of 16 alumni artists who are either Mexican or of Mexican descent. Exhibition dates are February 2 to February 24, 2005. This exhibition is planned and organized by Luis Bermudez, assistant professor of Art at Cal State L.A.

NEPANTLA DREAMS: Cal-Mex State L.A. is a juried exhibition of works by California State University, Los Angeles’ alumni who are either Mexican or of Mexican descent. The word “nepantla” means “in the middle” or “in between,” from Nahuatl, the language of the Aztecs.

“We believe that this ancient word expresses the unique cultural context of Mexicans or persons of Mexican descent who are living ‘in between’ the many cultural crossroads of the United States. Their lives and art, as well as their social and political views, are a manifestation of a complex dialectical trans-culturation process resulting in a Nepantla people who redefine their own concept of self,” explains Manuel Aguilar, associate professor of Art History at Cal State L.A.

Featured work in NEPANTLA DREAMS: Cal-Mex State L.A. consists of ceramics, drawing, painting, photography, prints, sculpture and mixed media. The artists included in this exhibition are Carlos Almaraz, Linda Arreola, Agustin Baron, Paul Botello, Edward Garcia, Martin Garcia, Javier Granados, Gronk, Frank Gutierrez, Patricia Juarez, Bernardo Martinez, Isabel Martinez, Robert Parra, Frank Romero, Carlos Vargas and Sandra Varos.

Opening:
The opening reception is scheduled for Friday, February 4, 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Mexican Consulate, located at 2401 W. 6th St., Los Angeles, CA 90057. Additional viewing hours by appointment. Contact: mergertz@yahoo.com

Closing:
The closing reception is scheduled for Thursday, February 24, 6:00-8:00 p.m., at the Fine Arts Gallery in the Fine Arts Building, located on the Cal State L.A. campus at the intersection of the #10 and #710 freeways. Directions may be found at the University Web site: www.calstatela.edu

Parking:
Pay parking for the Fine Arts Gallery at Cal State L.A. is in Parking Structure II.
Permit dispenser - $.50/hour.

Hours:
Fine Arts Gallery: Monday – Thursday and Saturday, 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m.

Admission:
Free of charge. Fine Arts Gallery: (323) 343-4040

WORKING FOR CALIFORNIA – California State University, Los Angeles is a comprehensive university at the heart of a major metropolitan city. The 175-acre hilltop campus is located five miles east of Los Angeles’ civic and cultural center. Since 1947, Cal State L.A. has been a leader in providing quality higher education. Today, the campus comprises a faculty of internationally recognized scholars and artists, and more than 20,000 students with a wide variety of interests, ages and backgrounds that reflect the city’s dynamic mix of populations. Cal State L.A. is one of 23 campuses in the CSU system. The University is noted for the Luckman Fine Arts Complex and critically-acclaimed Luckman Jazz Orchestra; its focus on alternative energy technology; the unique Early Entrance Program for gifted youngsters; the first of its kind Charter College of Education; and a renowned forensic science graduate program, among many others.