For me, when I first started working for theFund, Centro Cultural Aztlan was one of our more enigmatic affiliates. Knowing that the best way to get to know about anything is through personal experience, I visited them, to both learn more about who they are and look for a piece of art that we needed for a workplace campaign award . My visit was successful; I came away with both.
While at first glance it may appear to be another art gallery, Centro Cultural Aztlan, is really a cultural center. Its mission remains the same as when they were founded in 1977, by local community organizers to support, strengthen, and share their Chicano/Latino heritage with the greater community of San Antonio. In the 2500 sq. ft gallery, regardless of medium, they provide a venue for a full spectrum of local artists. Their programs provide a means of expression for not only accomplished visual artists, but also students, poets, writers, performers and musicians. In addition, to the 10 art exhibits they showcase in their gallery, Galeria Expresion, each year, they also sponsor a variety of annual community festivals and celebrations, from Lowrider Car Exhibitions to their annual Day of the Dead exhibits, Dia de Los Muertos.
What distinguishes Centro Cultural Aztlan is its ability to resurrect lost and forgotten cultural traditions, and to reclaim and preserve them for future generations. In 1978, Centro Cultural Aztlan reintroduced the tradition of Dia de Los Muertos, the celebration of life and death, into the San Antonio community and it has now become a well-known citywide ritual celebrated by many individuals and arts organizations with altares y ofrendas (altars of offerings) and colorful processions all over the city.
Centro Cultural Aztlan next Galeria presentation are new works of art by local artist Charles Harrison Pompa in a solo exhibition entitled POMPA 2011.
“Painting is a universal language just like mathematics, and my art work is all inspired by mistakes, ideas, and risk taking. Art is meant to explore the unknown, and the what if” - Charles Harrison Pompa.
The exhibit will open with a reception for the artist in the Galeria Expresion on Thursday, August 4, 2011 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The exhibition will run through the end of August and is free and open to the public.1800 Fredericksburg Road, Suite 103
San Antonio, TX 78201
(210) 432-1896
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