Art By Louie H. Moreno

I have been invited to be part of this event at the Museum of Ventura County.

Info on events:

September 19, 2009 – November 29, 2009
89 S. California Street, Downtown
Contact: Museum of Ventura County
Phone: (805) 653-0323
Admission: Free

Wearing Our Stories: Costume and Cultural Identity in the Latino Community, an exhibition upcoming this fall at the Museum of Ventura County, celebrates how personal stories, religious and popular traditions, and political statements expressive of Latino culture are artistically woven into clothing and adornment.

The free opening reception is on Friday, September 18 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Using photographic portraits shot expressly for the exhibit by Rudy Cardona and Samuel Hernandez, Latinos from many walks of life are highlighted, including community leaders, musicians, artists, activists, educators and athletes. Along with their portraits, specific articles of clothing which define them as a Latino or Latina are on display. Historical objects and photos reflecting the influence of cultura on the lives of Latinos in the area are also featured, including quinceañera and First Communion dresses, a traditional Mexican lazo from a wedding, vintage Bolivian jewelry, a car club jacket from La Gente Car Club in Oxnard, and a handmade costume worn in a Pastorela, or traditional shepherd’s play, held in Fillmore in 1916.

Among those portrayed in the exhibit are college professor Graciela Casillas, shown with her boxing gloves, which she used when becoming the first female kickboxing champion; harpist Xavier Montes; long time feminist and Latina activist Lupe Anguiano; professional altarista Ofelia Esparza, who builds Día de los Muertos ofrendas, or altars, to honor the dead; artist and former Brown Beret Louie Moreno; internationally known singer Ixya Herrera, shown wearing her signature rebozo, a traditional Mexican shawl which is undergoing a revival among contemporary Latina women.