DMC celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month beginning with kick-off tomorrow, Sept. 13, in Center for Mexican American Studies
Observance runs through Oct. 26
Article by Melinda Eddleman
The culture is rich, diverse and influential locally and across the state and nation. Each year, Del Mar College (DMC) celebrates the national observance of Hispanic Heritage Month with a month-long schedule of activities. This year’s observances starts tomorrow, Sept. 13, and runs through Oct. 26.
DMC Hispanic Heritage Month activities are sponsored by the Center for Mexican American Studies (MAS), the Art Program’s Joseph A. Cain Memorial Art Gallery, the Department of Social Sciences, the Del Mar College Libraries and the College’s chapter of the Texas Association of Chicanos in Higher Education. Events are free and open to the public
You can expect a month-long celebration between Sept. 15 and Oct. 15 every year as communities across the nation observe Hispanic Heritage Month. This observance also serves to enlighten participants by recognizing the diversity, innumerable contributions and influence Hispanics have provided to shape our communities, states and the country.
For more information, contact Professor of Spanish and MAS Coordinator Javier Morin at jmorin@delmar.edu or 361-698-1582.
The following events are currently scheduled:
• Wednesday, September 13
Kick-off Event with Center for Mexican American Studies Open House and Gallery Talk with Artist David Longnecker
Del Mar College will begin the its celebration with an open house at the Center for Mexican American Studies on the Heritage Campus. The festivity includes refreshments and music at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 13, along with a Gallery Talk by artist David Longnecker as part of the Creative Works and Artistic Exhibits Series. Known for creating contemporary and culturally rich alternatives on indigenous imagery from deep within his Mexican heritage, Longnecker promises the viewer a visual invitation revealing his innermost conscience. And, through his personal trek, Longnecker documents his emotions and experiences using the sentiments set before him as a platform for discussion that will enlighten all who attend his talk. The artist renders the form in a realistic and abstract fashion exposing his ability to have somewhat of a self-understanding, while still allowing continual growth aiming to be a stark individual. The open house and gallery talk are scheduled in Room 133 of the Coles Classroom Building on the Heritage Campus, 101 Baldwin Blvd. (78404), get online directions and campus map.
• Thursday, October 19
Gallery Talk Titled “Two Spirited: The Duality of Individuality” with Artist Leticia Ernestina Gómez
As part of the Creative Works and Artistic Exhibits Series sponsored by the DMC Joseph A. Cain Memorial Art Gallery, the College’s Center for Mexican American Studies will host a Gallery Talk on Thursday, Oct. 19, at 11 a.m. with artist Leticia Ernestina Gómez for her presentation, “Two Spirited: The Duality of Individuality.” Gómez is a multimedia artist based in Corpus Christi whose artwork explores ideas of indigeneity, queerness, intimacy, spirituality and cultural belonging. Her inspirations and techniques range across the disciplines of drawing, painting, collage and installation art. She received an associate’s degree in Art from Del Mar College, a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts degree in Drawing & Painting from the University of North Texas and a master’s degree in Consciousness and Transformative Studies from John F. Kennedy University. Her artwork has been shown in exhibitions at K Space Contemporary, the Conduit Gallery and many other cultural venues throughout the state of Texas. The Gallery Talk is scheduled in Room 133 of the Coles Classroom Building on the Heritage Campus, 101 Baldwin Blvd. (78404), get online directions and campus map.
• Thursday, October 26
“Forging Race and Gender Power in Houston,” a History Lecture by Houston Community College Professor Samantha Rodriguez
Del Mar College’s Social Sciences Department will host a history lecture, “Forging Race and Gender Power in Houston,” by Samantha Rodriguez, Professor of Humanities and History with Houston Community College, on Thursday, Oct. 26, at 7 p.m. Currently, Rodriguez is working on a monograph that leverages oral histories to examine the way Tejanas in Austin, Houston and San Antonio balanced a commitment to gender liberation and ethnic self-determination within the broader nexus of the Chicano/Chicana Movement, the Black Power Movement and the mainstream Anglo Feminist Movement. The lecture is scheduled in Wolfe Recital Hall, located in the Fine Arts Center Music Building on the Heritage Campus, 101 Baldwin Blvd. (78404), get online directions and campus map.
Del Mar College empowers students to achieve their dreams. We offer quality programs, individual attention, outstanding instruction through faculty with real-world experience and affordable costs to credit and noncredit students in Corpus Christi and the South Texas Coastal Bend area. Nationally recognized while locally focused, we’re ranked in the top two percent of community colleges in the country granting associate degrees to Hispanic students (Community College Week). Del Mar College focuses on offering our students programs that match current or emerging career opportunities. Whether students are interested in the fine arts, sciences, business, occupational or technical areas, students get the education they need for the future they want at Del Mar College.