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Mexican American Studies Conference to present social issues though art
Archive
Organizers say the fourth biennial Mexican American Studies Conference will be the “best year ever” with “first rate speakers and entertainers.” The conference will feature three prominent and award-winning Hispanic authors and includes an art exhibit by a Mexican American artist.
The conference is presented by the Boise State Sociology Department to promote appreciation for Hispanic culture and life and to present social issues concerning the Hispanic community here in Idaho.
Authors Dagoberto Gilb, an accomplished Chicano author and winner of the PEN/Hemingway Award for his book “The Magic of Blood,” and Helena Maria Viramontes, an accomplished Chicana author who was recently awarded the John Dos Passos Prize for literature will keynote the conference. Carmen Tafolla will perform her one-woman theatrical performance of barrio voices portraying the “struggles, perspectives and experiences of the culturally diverse in our schools, universities and society.” She too, is an accomplished writer, with books of poetry, short stories, articles and children’s books. Her work also includes seven television screenplays and a book outlining sexism and racism and Chicana women.
Entertainment will include a performance, Musica para flauta de las Americas / Flute Music of the Americas, by Merrie R. Siegal an assistant professor of flute at the Lionel Hampton School of Music at the University of Idaho. The theater group from Los Angeles, ChUSMA, will perform guerrilla theater in “The Play/La Carpa.” The comedy trio brings political and consciousness-raising issues to the forefront in satirical style. A special art exhibit will be held in the Student Union Art Gallery featuring the work of Cesar Martinez, considered to be “one of the most important Chicano artists of the 20th century.”
Dr. Richard Baker, professor of Sociology specializing in Mexican American studies said, “the best way to enhance empathy, appreciation and understanding of another people is through the arts . . . It opens up people’s hearts to be more receptive to other peoples.”
The conference will be held Tuesday and Wednesday March 13 and 14 in the Jordan Ballroom of the Student Union.