12 Thursday, August 29, 2019
Coastal View News • Carpinteria, California
A beautiful day for the arts
Bellas Artes program celebrates Aztec-inspired art show Photos by Debra herrick The new Bellas Artes exhibit, “Images of Teotihuacan,” opened in the Charles Lobue Gallery at the Lynda Fairly Carpinteria Arts Center, with a family-friendly celebration on Sunday afternoon, Aug. 25. Artists, their families and supporters of the program enjoyed homemade traditional Mexican food and performances by Aztec dancers and Son Jarocho musicians. Bellas Artes offers cultural arts education to residents of all ages at Chapel Court, Dahlia Court and Casas de Las Flores and is co-sponsored by the Arts Center and Peoples’ Self-Help Housing.
The exhibit features clay sculptures and paintings inspired by Mexico’s meso-American city Teotihuacan. Earthy reds and yellows dominate the color palette, referencing natural elements found in Mexico’s Central Valley.
aboVe: Director of the bellas Artes program, Miryam Moctezuma hopes to foster self-confidence and cultural pride among Hispanic participants. RIGHT: Painting by Antonia G.
Jose Mendoza listens to Son Jarocho with his grandsons, Emanuel, left, and Jackson Jose.
bellas artes participants created a sculpture inspired by artifacts from teotihuacan for the silent auction to benefit the program.
LEFT: At the comal are Irma Arroyo and Leonora Perez preparing handmade tortillas. Arroyo and Perez’ children have art in the exhibit. CENTER: Third-grader Maria Ramirez enjoys the last day of summer break with her mom Georgina Arriaga. RIGHT: Olivia, Xochitl and Jose Moctezuma treated the crowd to a mouth-watering array of tacos from rajas to carnitas and everything in between.