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A Muertos de Risa: 80s Vintage Day of the Dead Works from Self Help Graphics & Art's Collection curated by Poli Marichal, Self Help Graphics' Program Manager Exhibition Dates: October 31, 2010-November 20, 201
Self
Help Graphics
Barrio Mobile
Art Studio
Silkscreen
Prints 1977-
“I began my work with Sister Karen Bocallero and Self Help Graphic’s Barrio Mobile Art Studio (BMAS) in 1975. I had just returned from Spain and entered into the MFA Printmaking Program at Cal State University, Long Beach. I remember that I was nervous applying for my first “art” job and very happy when Sister Karen chose to hire me. In those early days Self Help’s offices were located on Brooklyn Ave. in the heart of Boyle Heights. At that time the Barrio Mobile Art Studio (BMAS) was funded by a grant from the California Art Council. Sister Karen, Sister Pius, Sister Beth, and Rene Acosta were the driving force behind Self Help’s vision and programs.
Michael Amescua and I served as the lead artists, traveling to community elementary schools and centers along with several visiting artists. BMAS would drive up to a new location and work with students over an entire week to produce silkscreen prints, sculpture, photography, and mixed media projects “with and about the community.” Working with the Barrio Mobile Art Studio marks the beginning of my interest and study of Mesoamerican and indigenous history, culture, and ceremony. The BMAS curriculum focused on developing young students’ appreciation of their history and culture. Images of Mesoamerican architecture, icons, and gods were used as a visual resource in teaching students and inspiring culturally relevant art projects.
My entrance into the Chicano art scene also began with the Barrio Mobile Art Studio and SHG’s Dia de Los Muertos Celebrations. I remember how small and intimate our first celebration was! We cut papel picado, constructed traditional “altares” with fruit and palm leaves, prepared traditional foods, and shared a quiet and thoughtful vigil to remember our ancestors and celebrate life. We all joined in a circle and Sister Karen offered a prayer while burning copal sat at the center of our “family circle.”
Working with Sister Karen and Self Help Graphics continues to influence me personally and to be a driving force in my art process and art image.”
Linda Vallejo, Artist Statement
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