Chicago, IL—In conjunction with and inspired by Arte Diseño Xicágo, an exhibition at the National Museum of Mexican Art (NMMA) exploring the contributions of Mexican and Mexican-American artists and designers in Chicago, NMMA and Art Design Chicago will host Arte Diseño Xicágo: A Neighborhood Fiesta in the heart of Pilsen. Free and open to the public and replete with fun for the whole family, the event will take place Saturday, May 12, noon–5:00 PM, and will celebrate the diverse stories of creativity on Chicago’s West Side.
The fiesta offers hands-on activities including a self-guided mural hunt where participants will gather clues at the museum and follow them as they walk through the neighborhood of Pilsen to discover beautiful, historically significant murals by local artists including Hector Duarte, Alejandro Medina and Jeff Zimmerman. A variety of demonstrations by local artisans and artists, including printmaking by members of the local collective Instituto Gráfico de Chicago and by the UIC Latino Cultural Center, will be held alongside local vendors showcasing their talents throughout the “Tianguis” or craft market. Attendees can enjoy live outdoor performances in the field east of the museum and are encouraged to bring picnics and use the picnic tables.
The performance stage, emceed by Pilsen-based karaoke entrepreneur Pablo Serrano, will feature live music performances by local Chicago bands Súbele and You Are Here. Free Street Theatre presents the “Meet Juanito Doe” ensemble who will perform a play based on the experiences of Chicago’s Mexican-American and immigrant communities, followed by a storytelling workshop.
In addition, several Art Design Chicago partners will participate in the celebration to preview upcoming exhibitions and programs to the public, including the Chicago Cultural Alliance, Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art, The Chicago Public Library YOUMedia program, Illinois Humanities, The National Public Housing Museum and Jane Addams Hull-House Museum.
Further information about Art Design Chicago is available at www.ArtDesignChicago.org.
Art Design Chicago
Art Design Chicago is a spirited celebration of the unique and vital role Chicago plays as America’s crossroads of creativity and commerce. Spearheaded by the Terra Foundation for American Art, this citywide partnership of more than 60 cultural organizations explores Chicago’s art and design legacy and continued impact with more than 25 exhibitions, hundreds of events, as well as the creation of several scholarly publications and a four-part documentary presented throughout 2018.
Support for Art Design Chicago is provided by the Terra Foundation for American Art and Presenting Partner The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation. Additional funding for the initiative is provided by Leslie Hindman Auctioneers, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, and the Joyce Foundation. The Chicago Community Trust, Leo Burnett, Polk Bros. Foundation, and EXPO CHICAGO are providing in-kind support. www.ArtDesignChicago.org #ArtDesignChicago
National Museum of Mexican Art
From ancient Mesoamerican civilizations to contemporary artistic expression, the National Museum of Mexican Art has a long-standing history of producing unique exhibitions with first-voice scholarship. In fact, 20 exhibitions organized by the Museum have traveled across the United States and Mexico to other museums. By interpreting Mexican history and culture and sharing it with these audiences, we are working to preserve the knowledge and expand people’s appreciation of the Mexican culture.
Terra Foundation for American Art
Since it was established in 1978, the Terra Foundation for American Art has been one of the leading foundations focused on the historical art of the United States. Headquartered in Chicago, it is committed to fostering exploration, understanding, and enjoyment of American art among national and international audiences. To further cross-cultural dialogue on American art, the foundation supports and collaborates on innovative exhibitions, research, publications, and educational programs. Recognizing the importance of experiencing original works of art firsthand, the foundation also provides opportunities for interaction and study through the presentation and ongoing development of its own art collection in Chicago. Implicit in such activities is the belief that art has the potential both to distinguish cultures and to unite them.
