Caminos: Latino History of the Central San Joaquin Valley
Main Gallery & Second Level Galleries
July 5 - December 23, 2023
CAMINOS (Spanish for paths, roads) aims to highlight paths the Latino-origin peoples have followed to the central San Joaquin Valley and the contributions they have made. The exhibit traces the caminos of Latinos through the valley from the explorations of the Spanish and Mexican periods of Alta California to the transformation of the valley in the Early American period. It follows the growth of Mexican immigration in the 20th century, boosted by the Mexican Revolution and the Bracero Program. In the second half of the last century the growing social movement from the fields to the colleges established paths of attainment for the community, despite some setbacks that tested its resilience. The exhibit and its occasional programs highlight Latino history that is now braided into Valley history and relevant for everyone.
The exhibit highlights some key figures in each of the eras and will be augmented through a series of monthly pláticas (discussions) led by Dr. Alex Saragoza and invited leaders and authors who have lived and documented this history. Dr. Saragoza will initiate the series on Sunday, August 27 from 1-3 pm. with the first plática to introduce the beginning of the camino, coming to Alta California in the Spanish and Mexican periods. Subsequent pláticas are scheduled for September 24 and October 29.
ABOUT ARTE AMERICAS
Arte Américas in Fresno is a Latino art center established in 1987 with a mission “to make the valley a flourishing place for Latino arts.” Over the past 36 years the center developed from a small, rented space to occupy a half block in downtown Fresno, mounting over 500 exhibits, concerts, programs, and festivals so far. Over those years they remodeled and expanded the center to include the outdoor Plaza Paz with a striking traditional kiosko (gazebo) in its center.
The original CAMINOS exhibit at Arte Américas in 2019, filled all gallery spaces with a guided walk through the eras. Arte Américas began the project in 2016 that led to the exhibit and its growing collection of materials documenting Latino history. The center was planning to tour the exhibit to Visalia and then Merced when it hit a roadblock with the pandemic in 2020 and 2021 and the closure of all centers involved. That delay gave more time to collect stories and photos from the Tulare and Merced regions. Arte Américas’ Director Arianna Chavez encourages people throughout the valley to visit and see the version in Merced because it connects the central valley through our shared history. For more information on Arte Americas: www.arteamericas.org
