Aztlan alive and well in Pomona

By Diana Sholley, Staff Writer
U-Entertainment

Aztlan isn't shown on any map. But, to some extent, it does exist - as a mythical land where all the wonders of the Chicano culture were born.

And in a modern-day rebirth of sorts, the dA Center for the Arts in Pomona has brought to life the flavor of that magical place.

"In essence, we are rediscovering our ancient mythical roots and honoring our culture through art that has remained constant through the ages," said Frank Garcia, creator of "AZTLAN '06" Into the Future, A Chicano Art Exhibit. "The art is about our families, food, religion, dance and relationships."

This is the fourth annual multicultural Chicano and Chicana art event hosted by the dA. Through Nov. 26, the public can view works from more than 115 artists who contributed pieces in oil, acrylics, sculpture, mosaic and papier mach .

Artists hail from the entire Inland Valley, as well as from Los Angeles and Orange counties. Its theme, "Into the Future," brings together newtalents and seasoned masters.

Aztlan started shortly after Garcia became a dA board member."I noticed that there was very little Chicano or Latino art in spite of the fact that we were in a very heavy Chicano/Latino area" said Garcia, a former principal of Park West Continuation School in Pomona. "I asked the board why this was so and they said they did not have the expertise and asked me if I wanted to curate a show."

Garcia and his wife, Cathy, an artist, championed the task and the show became an immediate success, growing in size and attendance each year.

Since its inception, it has been featured on KABC (Channel 7) and in Bello magazine. Many local dignitaries and government employees - among them L.A. County Supervisor Gloria Molina, Sen. Nell Soto and several city council members - have attended.

Joan Weldon, executive director of the dA, couldn't be happier about the community response.

"Our first opening was on Oct. 14 and we were packed," Weldon said. "There were between 800 and 1,000 people. We had no room to breathe. It was one of the largest openings we've had."The show's second opening is set for tonight, during the Pomona Arts Colony's Second Saturday Art Walk.

There will be refreshments and entertainment. Also, one of the exhibit's highlights is its unique fund-raiser. About 50 area artists were given porcelain skulls to brand with their own creative style. They are up for bid in a silent auction, which ends at 5 p.m. Nov. 20.Greeting guests entering the dA is Ozel, a giant, papier mach monster and alter ego of its creator, Art Lopez.

"Frank saw my work at the L.A. County Fair and asked if I would be in the show," said Lopez. "Right away I related to the name of the show, `Aztlan' because it's not an actual place, it's more of a fantasy. I have my own `fantasyland' that I've created - Cabalaturo."

Lopez combined Cabala and the last four letters of his given name - Arturo for the name of his own Shangri-La.

"It's a mystical place where all creatures get along together," said Lopez, 36 of Ontario. "It's a place where all the biggest qualities of who we are can be expressed."

Lopez's attraction to macabre creatures began while he was growing up. His favorite television and film programming were in the science fiction and horror genres and included dragons, swamp creatures and all things chilling.

"In a way, I want to disturb people," said Lopez, soft-spoken, seemingly gentle soul. "When you look at it, my work seems very strong, but it's actually fragile and vulnerable. Papier mach is by nature fragile, but the way I create it, it's durable and powerful."Lopez learned papier mach from his aunt when he was in junior high school.

"My family made and sold pi atas," Lopez said. "It was my aunt who taught me how to make the glue and do the tissue paper."

Other up-and-coming artists exhibiting at the show include David Flury, Melissa Trochez, Marquis Lewis, Marco Zamora, Ralph Salaurio, Juan Thorp, Armando Peralta, Ricardo Ortega and Jose Lozano.

Their art will be displayed alongside such veteran artists as Wayne Healy, Margarete Garcia, David Botello, Magu, Frank Romero and Frank Martinez, 85, who in 2003 created the mural at Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles.

"It is an important project because it not only enhances the Chicano/Latino art awareness and perspective, it enhances the cultural sharing that is so important in a wonderful diverse country such as ours," said Garcia, president of the Pomona Chamber of Commerce.

"What it has done for the dA is that it brought in tremendous talent that was right next door but never felt a part of the downtown art scene," he said. The show is an act of love and a tremendous amount of work. Each year I say will be the last and each year we start thinking how we can make it better. It does so much for the community, it is hard to quit."

Diana Sholley can be reached at (909) 483-9381 or at d_sholley@dailybulletin.com.