Chicano art, history classes to be offered

By Kevin Milliken, La Prensa Correspondent

The Sofia Quintero Art and Cultural Center (SQACC) will host a series of Chicano art and history classes to be held throughout 2014. “Homer to Homeboy” involves four, free series of classes and workshops aimed at relating culture and history to modern-day society for Latino residents and community organizations.

“This is something you don’t want to miss,” said Arturo Quintero, SQACC board president. “This is going to give you a great perspective of a Mexican-American’s view of being Latino in the U.S.”

The first set is a summer series focusing on Chicano/Latino history and culture, starting Sat., May 30, 10 a.m. to noon, meeting weekly until the end of July. The courses will begin with prehistoric Mesoamerica approximately 20,000 years ago and running through present-day life for Latinos in the United States.

A second, two-month series of courses will start in mid-August focusing on an overview of Latino literature, in general, with an emphasis on the works of Chicano/Mexicano writers. Instruction will begin with the oral traditions and written work of indigenous peoples—Olmec, Mexica-Aztecs, and Mayans—to Chicano/Mexicano contemporary thought and writing.

A third, fall series of creative writing workshops will start Oct. 25. The weekly classes will emphasize poetry and creative non-fiction for Latinos who have never written a formal work, but have dreamed of tapping into their inner poet. The classes also are meant for intermediate writers.

A fourth series, a barrio arts program, is planned for dates yet to be determined. Those classes will focus on the history and socio-economic, political, religious and cultural meaning of Chicano/Mexicano /Latino art in the Americas. The series will cover all genres, from prehistoric Mesoamerica, the Mexican Revolution [starting in 1910], Chicano Liberation struggles—even the hop-hop, tagging, and graffiti of today’s inner-city culture. Murals and other forms expressing resistance will be studied.

The courses will be led by retired professor and college administrator Dr. Manuel Caro.

“He, first of all, brings academia, which is where he comes from. He brings a hands-on knowledge of our community, because this is where he grew up,” explained Quintero. “He also brings his experience in the Marine Corps during Vietnam. Those all tie in together very nicely. This is a passion for him.”

The SQACC board president explained that Dr. Caro has put his own time, effort, and expense into the project during his retirement, preparing the series of courses for nearly a year. To sign up for the free courses, those interested are asked to call SQACC at 419.241.1655.

“This says there is a lot of talent in the community willing to step up, like Dr. Caro has done. Hopefully we’ll see more people coming forward to the center,” said Quintero.

The SQACC board president also credited executive director María Rodríguez-Winter for stepping up the center’s programming in recent months, including the tile art displays from Puebla, México, on display through May 24^th.

“Some of the ideas she has spun out, including a better connection, a stronger connection to the Consular de México out of Detroit, we’ve managed to bring some premier artistic and lecture series,” said Quintero.

Copyright © 1989 to 2014 by [LaPrensa Publications Inc.]. All rights reserved.
Revised: 05/13/14 06:35:55 -0700.