The American continent is divided into two large regions as different as night and day: the English-speaking North America and the Spanish-speaking South America. The contiguity of both regions has made travel between territories accessible and common. However, many of those from the south has sought to live in the north permanently, raise their family there and find better-paying jobs. Many have defied the odds to cross the borders and begin a new life on the other side.

From these passionate and courageous people sprang a crop of notable Hispanic Americans whose achievements have made Hispanic culture a prominent one among the "melting pot" of cultures and races that is the United States of America.

Chicano Visions: American Painters on the Verge

Exhibition Overview

Appearing July 22 - October 22 at the de Young Museum in San Francisco, Chicano Visions: American Painters on the Verge is a traditional art exhibition presenting the works of a wide range of the country’s Chicano and Chicana artists. Veteran artist, curator and facilitator René Yañez fronts the unparalleled exhibition, which is predominately comprised of pieces from actor/entertainer Cheech Marin’s private collection. Featuring the work of 26 artists, Chicano Visions is one of the most powerful Chicano art exhibitions to travel nationwide.

Presented by Target, sponsored by Hewlett-Packard and produced by Evergreen Exhibitions, the exhibition serves to advance and support the cause to establish Chicano art as a recognized school of art, while helping inspire a new generation of artists and art enthusiasts within our communities.

The majority of Chicano Visions: American Painters on the Verge is comprised of paintings of oil or acrylic on canvas, and pastel drawings.

Works by the following artists are included in the exhibition:

Carlos Almaraz David Botello Charles “Chaz” Bojórquez Melesio Casas Gaspar Enríquez Diane Gamboa Margaret García Rupert García Carmen Lomas Garza Raul Guerrero Glugio “Gronk” Nicandro Wayne Alaniz Healy Adan Hernández

Ester Hernández Leo Limón Gilbert “Magu” Lujan César Martínez Frank Romero Alex Rubio Marta Sánchez Eloy Torrez Jesse Treviño John Valadez Patssi Valdez Vincent Valdez George Yepes

The Latin American Art Museum, formerly known as the Florida Museum of Hispanic and Latin American Art, was founded in September 1991 to provide a gallery for Latin artists living in America. The Latin American Art Museum, (LAAM) is the first visual art institution in Florida to foster and promote both established and emerging contemporary artists of diverse Latin American, Caribbean and Spanish heritage. In addition to the collection, this 3,500-square-foot museum features 11 exhibitions, one for each month except in August, throughout the year featuring artists of Hispanic and Latin origin, Brazilian and Haitian descent. A permanent collection of 300 to 450 works of contemporary art is housed in the museum, located in the heart of Miami's design district. The collection includes (but is not limited to) paintings, sculptures and ceramics.

Located in the heart of Miami's Calle 8 Art Walk, LAAM serves as a significant cultural arts center for the region and an important resource for artists, educators and the public. Yearly thousands of spectators from throughout the world visit LAAM. LAAM provides a comprehensive exhibitions program of monthly group and solo shows in the main galleries, as well as, Museum on Location a traveling exhibitions program held at international venues. Artists are provided with career counseling and referrals, while LAAM serves as a place of first resort for arts professionals seeking information on the myriad array of Latino artists in Miami-Dade. The Museum is a cultural beacon presenting film, music, dance literature, theatre, lecture-demonstrations and arts-in-education programs.

Museum Info:

Latin American Art Museum
2206 SW Eighth Street
Miami, FL 33135
United States

Raul M.Oyuela, Director

Phone: +1 305 644 1127
Fax: 305.261.6996
Email: HispMuseum@aol.com
Website: http://www.latinartmuseum.org/ (inaccessible at present)

Open:
Sundays, Tuesdays to Fridays 11 - 5
Saturdays 11 - 4 only

Reviews:
For a small storefront museum, it has an extensive collection of works by Cuban and Latin American artists, with an emphasis on emerging artists and a special dedication to women artists. The museum participates in Little Havana's Cultural Fridays on the last Friday of every month. www.latinoweb.com/museo. - Fodor's

The Latin American Art Museum of Miami offers a place to both Latin artists and the visitor a comfortable and well lit place to view the contemporary art being done in Miami and Latin America. The staff and directors are knowledgeable and friendly and informed. There are mini studios where one might find artists working and is able to talk with them. The prices are very reasonable. A visit to Miami without visiting this museum is not complete. Highly recommend it. - inesan1717 from New York