march 6, 2003

MEXICAN AMERICAN CONFERENCE FEATURES WORKSHOPS AND MORE

The Mexican American Studies conference, hosted by Boise State University Tuesday, March 11 and Wednesday, March 12 in the Student Union, is one of the signature events of Boise State’s Cultural and Ethnic Diversity Board. Luis J. Rodriguez, one of the leading Chicano writers in the country, will be the keynote speaker for the fifth biennial conference. Titled "La Raza: Identity and Resistance Through the Arts," the free conference features several noted Hispanic scholars, including Constance Cortez, Roberto Dansie, Jorge Durand and Teresa Martinez.

This year’s event will feature 14 panels and workshops; two performances of "Latins Anonymous," a play by Luisa Leschin, Armando Molina, Rick Najera and Diane Rodriguez; the OELA dancers (Organizaciòn de Estudiantes Latino Americanos). These events strive to celebrate the identity of Chicano/as and grapple with the reality of living in two worlds: Mexico and the United States. Following is a short description of a few of the workshops and events:

? "Folk Artists of Idaho," by Bob McCarl. 1:45 p.m., Tuesday, March 11, in the Student Union Jordan Ballroom A. Eva Castellanoz will speak and demonstrate the art of making coronas. Coronas are the wax and paper flower crowns worn by Latino girls during their quinceaneras and women during their weddings. In addition to being a corona maker, Castellanoz is a National Heritage Award Winner, an accomplished herbalist and curandera (folk healer). She will also talk about how her art has played a role in enabling her to become a strong voice for women's issues in the Latino community throughout the west.

? "The Artist and Her Work," by Alma Gomez. 2:45 p.m., Wednesday, March 12, in the Student Union Jordan Ballroom A. Boise State art professor Alma Gomez will present slides of her own artwork. Gomez uses the medium of painting to address the issue of identity and the reality of living in both Mexico and the United States. She says, "I am keenly aware that the construction of my Chicana identity is formed by these two worldviews. My interest in the indigenous cultures of Mexico lead me to see that the formation of my Chicana identity is similar to the fusion of 16th century Mesoamerican spiritual beliefs with Catholicism."

? "Latins Anonymous," performed by the OELA Players. 11:15 a.m. in the Jordan Ballroom and 8:30 p.m in the Special Events Center. Both performances are on Wednesday, March 12 and are free and open to the public. "Latins Anonymous" uses a fast-paced sketch comedy style to introduce a cast of stereotypical Latin characters in a play that takes a comic look at the many sides of being Latino.

For a complete schedule of Mexican American Studies Conference events, go to news.boisestate.edu.

Martin Orr

Conference co-chair

208 426-4056

Richard Baker

Conference co-chair

208 426-3207

Kathleen Craven

communications and marketing

208 426-3275

Patri Ann Thompson

communications and marketing intern

208 426-3196

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