CHAC

Auction to provide creative blessings from Colorado artists
Denver, March 7, 2007 – A primary component of Mexican home altars, santos (saints) art was often created by self-taught artists (a santero/a) for the purpose of private devotion; creating a personal bond between worshippers and the divine to provide holy protection from life's misfortunes. This unique art form is a deeply rooted expression of Hispanic religious traditions. A santo is the depiction of a Catholic saint, traditionally painted on tin or wood that may be flat or carved into a sculpture. The santos were made in two-dimensional form known as retablos (or a reredos which is a larger altar screen) and three-dimensional sculptural piece known as bultos.

The Chicano Humanities & Arts Council (CHAC) will be celebrating this popular art form with an auction of contemporary and traditional Santos art created by CHAC's member artists titled "Bendiciones: Santos, Cruces y la Gloria del Presente" (Blessings: Saints, Crosses and the Glory of the Present). In addition to purportedly providing peace and protection to their new owners,  the sale of these hand-made santos will benefit CHAC's programming and art outreach programs. The silent auction will run for the entire month of August and the highest bidders will be announced on April 28.

The gallery will also be presenting an educational and historical display of Penitentes artifacts from the personal collection of Ruben E. Archuleta; former police chief of Pueblo Colorado and author of "Land of the Penitentes—Land of Tradition". The Hermanos Penitentes are a society of individuals, who, to atone for their sins, practice penances which consist principally of flagellation, carrying heavy crosses, binding the body to a cross, and tying the limbs to hinder the circulation of the blood. These practices have prevailed in hispanic regions of Colorado and New Mexico since the beginning of the nineteenth century. On April 14, 2007 at 2:00 PM Ruben E. Archuleta will giving a presentation and have his books available for signing and purchase. (Presentation is by donation. Please call to register, as space is limited 303-571-0440).

As part of the exhibit, the gallery will host an opening night reception, a poetry event, a children's workshop and two special presentations. The opening night reception will be held on April 6, 5-10 PM at CHAC Norte, 774 Santa Fe Drive. On April 8, 2-4 PM the gallery will host an open mic poetry event in the theme of the show with poet Suzanna Vega. This month's Cookies & Leche kids art workshop “ Sabado de Santos” is on Saturday April 21 from 2-4 PM. Kids of all ages are invited to make a paper Retablo with Aubrey Valencia to take home. Guest Speaker Renown Santero Carlos Sanstistevan will present  “Understanding Saints and their Function” prior to the workshop (Workshop by donation). The closing reception with coffee and treats will be on Saturday April 28 from noon to 4:00 and will be hosted by historian/Educator and Santero Jose Raul Esquibel and Santero Randall Clifton.

CHAC Art Gallery hours are Wed. & Thurs. 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Fri. noon -10:00 p.m.., Sat. and Sun. 12:00-4:00 p.m.
For more information about the Chicano Humanities & Arts Council, contact Crystal O'Brien at 303-571-0440 or director@chacweb.org

About CHAC
The Chicano Humanities & Arts Council (CHAC) was established in 1978 by Chicano/Latino artists as a venue to explore the arts and to promote and preserve the Chicano/Latino culture through the expression of the arts. The gallery presents art exhibits and performances by area musicians, actors, dancers, writers and poets and CHAC's popular community outreach programs work with teachers in Denver public schools to provide cultural art projects.

Contact Information
Crystal O'Brien
Executive Director
Chicano Humanities & Arts Council (CHAC)
772 Santa Fe Drive Denver, CO 80204
303-571-0440
http://www.chacweb.org

Press Release Artwork
Download image files and this release as a word document: http://chacweb.org/library/225
Bendiciones Art by Santero Randall Clifton
Carreta de la Muerte from "Land of the Penitentes"

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