Can we muster energy for the arts when everything else is so overwhelming right now? yes...
and... let's support the Mezcla collective!
I live in Yakima county, Washington where approximately 53 percent of the population is Latinx. I live in an area rich with culture. I also live in an area where maga threats are very real, all the time. So much stress all the time.
I thought about cancelling my 2 dollar fundraiser this year. Aren’t there more important things to spend my time doing? (like worrying?) But I have talked some sense into myself. We need the arts for so many reasons…
On July 19th, in Tieton come join me at my booth in the park to celebrate Mezcla!!
To refresh your memory… The Mezcla collective is a group of Latinx artists: mostly young (well, a lot younger than me!). Mezcla means mixed in Spanish, a reflection of the different ways each member creates art. Their mission is to support and advocate for Latine artists in Central Washington, and they have done some amazing projects in the last couple years!
*** Partnered with Yakima Valley Libraries to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. They brought a pop up gallery to the library, complete with coloring sheets of original artwork for the kids!
*** Showcased the collective’s work in Seattle’s Shunpike Storefronts Program. The work focused on the color Rosa Mexicano aka “Mexican Pink” This shade of pink was claimed by Mexico to symbolize power and the identity of Mexican culture.
*** They have sponsored several individual and group shows including “Agriculture” celebrating the people who work in Yakima’s agriculture industry.
Here is how it works… Think about your little 2 dollar donation as a symbol… of support, of love, of acceptance, of appreciation. Think about how these little donations add up to help fuel visibility. Think of it as energy, remember the last time you saw art and how it filled you with the feeling of community, of hope and maybe gave you the energy to go on and fight for what you believe in.
Your $2 could:
*** Provide seed money for a project!
*** Provide supplies for art work that lifts us all!
*** Let this collective of artists know that we see and support them!
So… if you can’t come to the art in the park/fundraiser on July 19th but want to support Mezcla:
***Put 2 dollars in an envelope and send it to me: Janice, PO Box 449, Tieton, WA. 98947, and if you like include a little message to the collective!
***And did I mention there are prizes? Come to Tieton on the 19th and pick a prize!
I truly believe that small actions may reverberate and ripple out to create great beauty and hope. I think that this little fundraiser might do just that! Much love, Janice
PS. So many thanks to Jackie for creating beautiful prize postcards. And to Carolyn Yoo. Her substack is great! Called SEEYOU. She has donated a great prize zine! And Nancy for printing help and support!
You are THE BEST Sonny! Love is all there is and what a wonderful way to show these artists love than to help support and acknowledge their work. Go go girl!!!!!
Love, Sonny
I love you and ADMIRE you!!
You are tireless in your devotion to the power of art. The power of love. My donation and Bob’s are in the mail. Wish we could be there live on the 19th.