Food and Fashion Fiesta to mark end of Raíces Hermosas–Gorgeous Roots exhibit at the MAC

Folklórico dancers. (photo courtesy: Dora Lara)

MIDDLETOWN— The Food and Fashion Fiesta will close out the hugely successful Raíces Hermosas – Gorgeous Roots exhibit on June 1 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Middletown Art Center (MAC). MAC states that “The Food and Fashion Fiesta promises an evening filled with cultural richness and community spirit.” Traditional Latinx clothing is encouraged to celebrate Latinx heritage.

Attendees can enjoy free tacos, tamales, pupusas, and salad, with additional food and beverages available for purchase. Help local artists participating in the show paint murals and explore offerings from local art vendors. Dance to the beats of DJ Chili, enjoy the captivating voice of Irma Lopez, and marvel at the grace of folklórico dancers. This event will honor the beauty and diversity of the culture in a night to remember! The exhibit will close on June 3.

While a typical museum viewing of an artwork may only last 15 seconds, the Raíces Hermosas exhibit has offered a much more impactful engagement for nearly 3000 Lake County students. They looked at line, color, pattern, symbology and cultural reference in the 55 works by 19 LatinX regional artists. They discussed themes, meanings and personal relevance in the works. They witnessed the expression of assimilation by conquering forces over indigenous peoples and their cultures in the exhibition and felt its impact. Then the students created art works themselves in workshops that are the culmination of the school tours. This activity transformed viewing into dialog and passive observance into creative action.

On May 18 the ¡Raíces Ballando! A Dance Performance and Folklórico Dance Workshop attracted some 60 attendees according to Lisa Kaplan, MAC Executive Director. Two original ballets choreographed by former San Francisco Ballet principal dancer Jamie Zimmerman Bracisco and Bonnie Amante premiered.  The choreographers are instructors at the Center Stage Dance Studios in Middletown. The second part of the program featured Jalisco, Sinaloa, Veracruz and Baja Folklórico styles. Dora Lara, Middletown High School faculty, brought her Ballet Folklórico group featuring the colorful dresses and unique dances of each of the regions. Following the performances there was a Ballet Folklórico Workshop where participants learned the basic folklórico steps.

The Food and Fashion Fiesta on Saturday June 1 will close out the powerful Raíces Hermosas – Gorgeous Roots exhibition. It promises to be fun for everyone.

Funding for the Raíces Hermosas project is provided by Specified General Fund for the Museum Grant Program under the California Cultural and Historical Endowment.

The Raíces Hermosas – Gorgeous Roots project is supported by Middletown Art Center, a non-profit dedicated to engaging the public in art making, art education, and art appreciation and providing a platform for diverse voices and perspectives, striving to create an inclusive and accessible space for all.

For inquiries or further information, please contact the Middletown Art Center at 707-355-4465 or email info@middletownartcenter.org. The MAC is located at 21456 State Hwy 175 in Middletown.