Mattatuck Museum - Merging Cultures

On Exhibit
Apr. 18 - Aug. 10

MERGING CULTURES:
Latin American and Caribbean Art & Life in Connecticut
Friday, April 18 – Sunday, August 10, 2008

Gloria Ruenitz, Friends - Photograph/mixed media

This exhibition and its accompanying series of public programs will explore how immigration affected the lives of Hispanic newcomers to the greater Waterbury region and how immigrants view their assimilation into the community. The exhibition will build the immigrant story around the individual. Making a flag for Waterbury’s 1st Puerto Rican Day Parade, 1962 More than 23,300 Hispanics live in Waterbury. Their stories and the stories of their families and friends will be told using the oral histories gathered as part of the Museum’s Neighborhood History Project, photographs, art and music. Organized by guest curator, Ben Ortiz, the exhibition features work by fourteen visual artists and includes photographs, mixed media, installations, and painting. Merging Cultures supports the Museum’s theme for 2008 that is linked to the opening of its new history exhibit, Coming Home: Building Community in a Changing World.

Educational and Special Event Programs

  Gallery Talk Led by Guest Curator Ben Ortiz
Thursday, May 1, 2008 5:00 p.m.
In conjunction with the exhibit, Merging Cultures: Latin American and Caribbean Art & Life in Connecticut, guest curator Ben Ortiz will discuss how each artist in the exhibit addresses the concept of cultural identity. Free with general museum admission.
  At Home in Waterbury: A Panel Discussion
Postponed. New date to be announced.
Join Ruth Glasser, Ph.D., Latin residents, and artists in a discussion of the immigrant experience for Latino “pioneers” and newcomers. Dr. Glasser is the author of Aqui Me Quedo: Puerto Ricans in Connecticut and co-editor of Community Connections: Dominican Republic. Free with general museum admission.
  Daughter, Mother, Grandmother: Picturing Generations Workshop
Thursday July 10, Friday July 11, Monday July 14, Tuesday July 15, and Wednesday July 16, 2008 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Bring a bag lunch. Beverages will be provided.
Artist Marlo Marrero will teach young women to become photographers and turn their experiences into powerful poetic images. Participants will photograph their mothers and/or grandmothers at their usual activities, and bring them to classes for critique and guidance by Ms. Marrero. Participants must commit to attending all classes. Fee: $10 each session. This project is supported by The Josephine McMillen and Lois Livingston McMillen Arts and Education Program, established by Russell McMillen in 2004 to honor his wife and daughter.
Marlo Merrero Mi Tia, Mi Mundo Rosado   Daughter, Mother, Grandmother: Picturing Generations Exhibit
July 17 – July 24, 2008
View images of feminine domestic and urban contemporary life across the generations in the photographs taken by young women under the direction of artist Marlo Marrero. Free with museum admission.
  Latin American Heritage Day
Saturday, July 19, 2008, 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Join us for an afternoon of varied activities for an all-ages celebration of cultural custom and legacy. Activities include: poetry reading by Glaisma Perez-Silva, film screening of Abuelita Y Pasteles by Victor Pacheco, meet the author and book signing with Pablo Delano, dominoes tournament, food tastings, and children’s piñata party. Heritage Day programs are free with museum admission.