They are known to be the people who mow your lawn, the women who fix your bed and clean your house, the migrant worker who tends to the crops. This is the image that has long been portrayed of the Latino people; it is a stereotype that clouds the eyes of the public and distorts what the Latino culture represents. They are artists, writers, musicians, intellects who have made the dreams of their forefathers become a reality.
The Latino Artists and Writers Workshop coming to Fresno City College on Nov. 4 to 6 portrays a society driven by the misfortune of their ancestors to become something more. The works of the writers and artists tell their stories in voices heard by the world, of their struggles and those of their friends and families.
During this three-day event, FCC will be the host for many well known artists and writers who are representative of the rich Latino culture such as Gary Soto, Mike Medrano, Kenneth Chacon, Gregory Ramirez and Renato Martinez. Teresa Tarazi, coordinator of this event, said she had the full support of the FCC faculty and the help of her left and right hands Sallie Saiz and Jess Cannen. She encourages everyone to indulge themselves in a heritage that is still strong and growing.
On opening day, President Azari will welcome the audience in the grassy area between the Music and Humanities Buildings, followed by poetry readings by Mike Medrano, Kenneth Chacon, Gregory Ramirez and Renato Martinez. In the evening, participants will be treated to a catered reception accompanied with a marimba band in the Art Space Gallery.
Poetry and nonfiction readings by Gary Soto(author of many collections of poetry such as New and Selected Poems), Alex Ezpinoza (best known for his novel, The Still Water Saints), along with Mike Medrano and Teresa Tarazi in the West Wing of the Library will wrap up the night.
The second day welcomes new and familiar faces as Michael Roberts, Dean of the Humanities division who kicks off the day by introducing Sallie Saiz(part-time professor at FCC) and Teresa Tarazi to partake in a nonfiction reading and workshop.
As they wrap up their sessions, artists Abelino Bautista and Lylia Carr will take the stage. The evening session begins with a reception at the Art Space Gallery at 6pm
At 7pm, the Art Space Gallery introduces the many works of Malaquias Montoya(father of Chicano art) and Maceo Montoya. Their work is an art of protest, depicting the resistance and strength of injustice and the necessity to unite behind a struggle.
The show also includes fiction and nonfiction readings with 2009 award winning author Daniel Chacon along with authors Kenneth Chacon and Sallie Saiz.
The third and final day centers around spoken word poetry by Tim Hernandez and Marisol Baca. Hernandez, originally from the San Joaquin Valley, is a writer and performer. He is very dedicated to helping his community and provides workshops for youths and aspiring artists/writers. He has won various awards including the 2006 American Book Award for Skin Tax, his collection of poems and the 2006 Zora Neal Award for his good deeds in the community.
Storytelling by Linda Ramos, part time teacher at FCC, will follow Hernandez’ and Baca’s performance in the Library Conference Room. At 10am, Loretta Ramos will host a storytelling workshop for her audience to enjoy.
Later in the staff dining hall will be Folklore music and an encore performance by Tim Hernandez and Marisol Baca.
Tarazi invites the entire community to participate in the many activities being held at FCC. She said her hope is that participants leave with a greater appreciation of the Latino culture and a better understanding of the impact of Latino Artists and Writers in mainstream society.
The event is open to the public free of charge.