Hunter Museum exhibit features works from artists of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban and Dominican descent

"Chevy in Wilmington, California," is a photo taken in 1972 by Oscar R. Castillo and printed with an inkjet printer in 2012.
"Chevy in Wilmington, California," is a photo taken in 1972 by Oscar R. Castillo and printed with an inkjet printer in 2012.
photo "Radiante" is an oil painting done by Olga Albizu in 1967.

The nearly 70 pieces that make up the new "Our America: The Latino Presence in American Art" are as diverse as the artists that created them.

The pieces are part of a traveling exhibit from the collection of the Smithsonian Institute of American Art Museum and will be on display at the Hunter Museum of American Art from Feb. 17 through June 4. Museum members can get a special preview on Thursday, Feb. 16, at 6 p.m.

The exhibits features paintings, prints, photographs, mixed media and sculpted pieces from artists of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban and Dominican descent. It was organized by E. Carmen Ramos, curator of Latino art at the Smithsonian. The pieces were created in the last half-century or so, and there are abstracts, landscapes, portraiture and scenes of every day life.

"I love the colors and the variety of the pieces," says Cara McGowan, director of marketing and communications for the Hunter.

Some of the works reflect what was going on in a particular point in history and some, like "Breakfast Tacos," highlight a particular moment in a particular place. "Tacos" is a large print of Chuck Ramirez' original piece from his "Seven Days" series. It's an image of a dining table after a large meal.

The Hunter has also planned a series of special events related to the exhibit, including lectures, music and food.

"We look forward to welcoming people form across the region as they come to view the artwork and are eager to engage with all our guests through our extensive roster of complementary programs which will range form artist and curator talks to dance and music," says Hunter Executive Director Virginia Anne Sharber.

Contact Barry Courter at bcourter@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6354.

Accompanying events

› The Latino Presence in History and Literature”6-7 p.m. Thursday, March 2. UTC history professor Ryan Edwards and literature professor Nicholas Mansito discuss the themes behind some of the images in the exhibit.› Drawing and Dialogue6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 23. Artist Alex Loza and Hunter curators discuss several works of art. Afterwards, Loza will do a live drawing demo inspired by the works discussed.› The Story of Journeys North to the United States1-4 p.m. Sunday, March 26. A collective of Chattanooga’s Latin American refugee and immigrant communities share their stories.› Dia De Diversion Familiar/Family Fun Day2-4 p.m. Sunday, April 2. Dance, sing with the East Lake Expression engine, explore with STEM school teens, create, play, build, hear stories.› Art + Issues: Coming to America6-7 p.m. Thursday, April 13. Sasha Hasanbegovic, a founder of “Coming to America: The Story of Us,” uses artwork to discuss ways Chattanooga can grow as a welcoming community.› Hunter Undergraduate Student Symposium: Border Crossings1-3 p.m. Sunday, April 23. Discussion of papers from regional universities on the topic of Border Crossings.› Art Wise: E. Carmen Ramos6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 27. Smithsonian American Art Museum Curator of Latino Art E. Carmen Ramos speaks about the creation of the exhibit, as well as artists included in it. Presented in English and Spanish.› Bachata on the Bluff5-8 p.m. Thursday, May 4. Performances by local bands with a Latino twist. Free to museum members; $5 non-museum members, children under 17 are free with a paying adult› Artful Yoga: Yoga Artistico1:30-3 p.m. Saturday, May 6. Jessica Ashah and Jessica Jollie of Yoga Landing use art as inspiration for a yoga practice. Presented in English and Spanish.› Art Wise: Maria Brito6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 11. Cuban-American Maria Brito will discuss her work and how she works through childhood memories to create her installations.› Sangria on the Bluff6:30-10:30 p.m. Thursday, May 25. Evening celebrating “Our America” exhibit with music, food, dancing, gallery tours and more. Tickets at www.lapazchattanooga.org.

If you go

› What: “Our America: The Latino Presence in American Art”› Where: Hunter Museum of American Art, 10 Bluff View St.› When: Feb. 17-June 4› Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Tuesday and Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday.› Admission: $15 adults, free for museum members, children under 17, active-duty military personnel and their families› Information: 267-0968 or www.huntermuseum.org

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