- 2009, Dec to 2010, Jan Gallery Exhibit "Todos Somos Chiapas" by Melanie Cervantes, Jesus Barraza, Lola Reyes, Huno, Vicky Lowe, Arturo Torres, Veronica Perez and Luciano Marzulli
- 2009, Oct to Nov Gallery Exhibit "Euro Trash" by Ruben Popoca
- 2009, Sept Fundraiser Kickoff Party "Farewell Terry: Five Million Dollar Fund Launch"
- 2009, Aug to Sept Gallery Exhibit "REVOLTOSO: Selected works by Xico González" by Screen Printer/Activist Xico Gonzalez
- 2009, June 20 Mestizo Coffeehouse 1st Anniversary "Day of Community, Celebration, Workshops, and Dance" with photographs by Francisco Dominguez
- 2009, June to July Gallery Exhibit "Silenced No More" Graffiti Art by 136 Krew
- 2009, Mar to May Gallery Exhibit "César Chávez" by David Maestas, Veronica Perez, Brittney Flores, Jose Carrasco, and Gina Alvarez (Featuring: Salt Lake School District K-12 art contest)
- 2009, Jan to Feb Gallery Exhibit "Jabu"
- 2008, Dec Gallery Exhibit "Community Art" by B.O.B (Bridges over Barriers), Mosaic design process, and Northwest murals
- 2008, Oct Gallery Exhibit "Hip Hop Expressionism" by EJ Curry
- 2008, Sept Gallery Exhibit for Resistance against Domestic Violence curated show by Trasa Urban Arts with Cat Palmer and Ruby Chacon
- 2008, Aug Gallery Exhibit by Aron Belka
- 2008, July to Aug Hosted Mujeres Activas en Letra y Cambio Social (MALCS) social and gallery exhibit by Deborah Vasquez, Veronica Perez, Lola Reyes, Brittney Flores, Lluviany Ceballos, Gina Alvarez, Rosalba Dominguez , Victoria Lyons, and Ruby Chacon
- 2008, June Gallery Exhibit by Gaspar Enriquez, David Maestas, and another local artist
- 2008, June 20 Grand Opening of Mestizo Coffeehouse and Mestizo Institute of Culture & Arts Gallery
- 2008 Mestizo Arts & Activism partnership formed
- 2007 Event with Artist Guillermo Colmenero at a local art studio
- 2005 Event with Artist Artemio Rodriguez at the Public Library
- 2004, June Event "Tribute to Writer Gloria Anzaldua" at the SLC Public Library
- 2004, Spring Collaborated with Utah State Governor's Initiative on Families Today (GIFT) & Utah Office of Hispanic Affairs to lead Elementary School Mural Project in Wendover, Utah
- 2004, Spring Assisted with Salt Lake Community College Outreach Day
- 2004, Mar Co-organized Youth Leadership Conference with Utah Coalition of La Raza
- 2004, Mar Leadership Retreat held at University of Utah
- 2005 Collaborated with Kimball Art Center in displaying "Arte Latino" in Park City, Utah
- 2003, June Event "Tribute to Poet Pablo Neruda"
- 2003 Event with Guest Speaker Tomas Benitez, Executive Director of Self-help Graphics 2003, Nov Event "Dia de los Muertos" with Keynote Speaker Simon Silva
- 2003 Founded non-profit Mestizo Institute of Culture & Arts
- 2002 Event with Guest Speaker Francisco X. Alarcón, Poet
- 2002 Gallery Exhibit by George Yepes, Juan Rosillo, Vladimir Cora, LisaNa Redbear, Guillermo Colmenero, Jorge Rojas, etc.
- 2002 Mestizo Gallery created by Artist Ruby Chacon and Writer Terry Hurst
OUR MISSION:
To strengthen and build community through arts, civic engagement, and dialogue. Provide space to those who engage community through their work, are from underrepresented communities, or use art as a tool for social change.
You Contributions Make Culture and Education
Programming Possible
HISTORY - Mestiza Institute of Culture and Arts
Mestizo Institute of Culture & Arts History
The idea for a diverse gallery was created in 2002 by community-based artist Ruby Chacón and writer Terry Hurst. This was the first attempt to create a permanent institution in Salt Lake City, Utah, that would promote creative art projects from members of underrepresented communities, as well as promote cross-cultural dialogue. This idea received broad-based community support. Therefore, in 2003, partnerships were made with community members and organizations to form a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization -- the Mestizo Institute of Culture & Arts.
For the first few years, the Mestizo Institute of Culture & Arts had no physical space of its own, but its impact and presence remained large. In 2008, the non-profit established a home when it opened its doors with the Mestizo Coffeehouse to support the first art gallery on Salt Lake's Westside.
Promoted and Exhibited Local Artists
Since its inception, Mestizo Institute of Culture & Arts has promoted and exhibited local artists as well as national and internationally recognized artists. These include: George Yepes (Los Angeles), Maestro Vladimir Cora (Mexico), Simón Silva (Los Angeles), Artemio Rodriguez (Los Angeles), LisaNa Redbear (Salt Lake), Guillermo Colmenero (Mexico), Juan Rosillo (Colombia), Gaspar Enriquez (Texas) and many more.
Conducted Various Workshops
The non-profit has conducted various workshops like drawing and muralism. In partnership with organizations like public-television affiliate KUED, the organization has facilitated important panel discussions based on resident concerns. Guest poets/spoken word artists like Franciso X. Alarcón (Davis), Liz Huerta (San Diego) and numerous musicians have performed for the local community. The organization has provided mentor services for emerging artists which include preparing them for their first exhibits, assisting in getting them into other galleries, and connecting them with commissions and teaching jobs.
Brought to the Forefront Important Figures
It has celebrated and brought into the forefront important figures in history like César Chávez, Pablo Neruda, Gloria Anzaldua, and Frida Kahlo. It has participated in collaborations and partnerships with people and groups including Self Help Graphics, Utah Coalition of La Raza Youth Leadership Conference, Kimball Art Center, Office of Hispanic Affairs, University of Utah, and TRASA Urban Arts.
