Dear CHAC Community, May this holiday season be filled with joy, laughter, peace and inspiration. CHAC is so grateful to have you and be a space where your creative spirit can express itself and flourish. This Friday Dec. 1st we have two exhibits opening! "Santos of the Southwest" CHAC Gallery 834 Santa Fe Drive Denver ~ 5pm-9pm "Spectrum Showcase" CHAC @40 West 7060 W. 16th Ave Lakewood ~ 6pm-9pm Go to www.chacgallery.org to learn more CHAC Members, please note an invitation to the Holiday Members' Pot Luck and Meeting was e-mailed to you. A link to RSVP is in the e-mail. Please e-mail eventcoordinator@chacgallery.org with any questions. Please read below for: ~Upcoming Events ~CO Gives ~Featured Artists |
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Your donation directly goes to: ~Master artists/educators providing workshops in underserved schools ~Free and affordable youth and adult community workshops ~Community cultural events ~Art exhibitions ~Nurturing the next generations of creatives ALL DONORS WILL BE ENTERED INTO A DRAWING TO WIN A FREE CHAC FAMILY MEMBERSHIP OR FREE CHAC ART WORKSHOP OF THEIR CHOICE FOR FOUR PEOPLE. |
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Sean Trujillo Sean is a devoted practitioner of the Santero tradition, specializing in the art of Retablo making. He firmly believes that preserving this tradition is a profound service to the community. With each meticulously crafted image, Sean weaves a captivating story, sets an inspiring example, and evokes cherished memories. His Retablos are a humble yet powerful embodiment of religious and cultural narratives, skillfully brought to life through the vibrant combination of pigments and wood. Remaining true to the roots of the Santero tradition, Sean carefully selects original materials that reflect the resources available to the artists of New Mexico and Southern Colorado. Like a true Santero, he resourcefully utilizes his surroundings, using pigments sourced from the environment and varnishes made from hand-gathered pinon sap found in the northern regions of New Mexico. Born and raised in North Denver, Sean proudly carries and shares a rich ancestral heritage that extends back over four centuries in Southern Colorado and northern New Mexico . Deeply connected to his community, he has dedicated himself to serving in Denver’s Santa Fe arts district for numerous years, having worked at esteemed institutions such as CHAC as the Education Director, and currently at the Museo de las Americas as the Programs and Interpretations Manager. Through his work, Sean takes great pride in supporting the youth, particularly Chicano youth, by providing them with exposure to transformative artistic opportunities, just as he was fortunate to receive as a young artist. Guided by the mentorship and direction of Denver's influential leaders and artists, he actively shares, educates, and creates culturally significant experiences for the next generation. Sean's artistic achievements extend beyond local recognition, as he has been honored as an award-winning artist at the world-renowned Spanish Market in Santa Fe, New Mexico. With numerous exhibitions nationwide, he seamlessly bridges the gap between the old world traditions of the Santero and the perspectives of the new age. Through his work, Sean illuminates the beauty and significance of the Santero tradition, captivating audiences with his artistic vision and cultural legacy. Art by Sean Trujillo |
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Bob Merco Photographer / Filmmaker Growing up I had access to my father's cameras. Nothing exotic, just a Brownie and Duaflex, Then when I turned 16, I visited Times Square NY. I bought a cheapo rangefinder in one of those electronic shops with a million cameras and lenses in the window. Freshly loaded with film, I scoured NY shooting everything and then.... disaster. Nobody told me you had to rewind the film before opening the back. The start of my career. For many years my hobby turned into shooting sports, fashion and photojournalism, As I progressed I found a certain feeling for offbeat, off-road, and forgotten places and things along the way, To this day I roam the back roads of the nation as I travel. In some ways I credit my father with my passion for this genre. As kids he would take us to every mom and pop tourist attraction he could find. I can never pass by the few that are still standing today. Lately I have turned to capturing and printing my images as Fine Art Photography. I hope you like what you see. Art by Bob Merco, Forgotten America Series |
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In Loving Memory Lucille Ruibal Rivera Lucille is dearly missed. She was a bright light to all, and helped others shine. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends and community. Please be kind to yourself, each other and let your art continue to shine through you. "Over time I have come to see that there is so much more in this world that fascinates and makes me wonder about what kind of stories life would tell if we would only listen. If you take the time to really look close at all life forms, you will see everything has a story, whether it be a person, an animal, or a flower; they all have a story, you just have to look…. That’s what I do when I look through the lens of my camera, I see a story…" Lucille Ruibal Rivera |
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Interested in becoming a CHAC member? Please click the button below to learn more about what you get with a membership and the different types! |
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