What will YOU learn from LAx/IdeAL?

Milagro, from its very early days, has placed great emphasis on the importance of the arts in education. Many of the artists who have partnered with us over the decades also work to promote enrichment in the schools. 

This year, together with the Latino Artists eXchange/ Intercambio de Artistas Latinos, we have organized yet another opportunity to share, learn and be a part of this enrichment process to provide diverse and unique educational opportunities for our region and community. The 4th annual LAx/IdeAL gathering takes place this Saturday, February 21, 2015.

In response to the increase in Latino children in the schools (which now comprise 25% of Oregon 1st-graders), this one-day event will provide professional development, networking and strengthening of creative skills for artists and individuals interested in sharing their crafts and artistry coming generations. Whether exploring how to create curriculum or enriching an established subject, anyone interested in making the arts a larger part of our education will gain greater insight by sharing with this talented group.

During the later part of the workshops, children 6 years and older are invited, for the first time ever, to participate in fun workshops led by teaching artists in the afternoon!

Read on to see the full schedule and the workshops available. All events are free, but registration in advance is requested. Children are only admitted to workshops geared to their age group (2:15-3:15pm). Registration forms are accessible via: http://www.milagro.org/4-About-Somos/LAX-IdeAL.html, and in Spanish: http://www.milagro.org/4-About-Somos/LAX-IdeAL-sp.htm

Saturday, Feb 21 LAX IdeAL Schedule:

9:30am ~ Café Revolución ~ Café de olla y pan dulce

10:00am – 11:30am ~ Professional Development / Desarollo profesional:
ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION AND ITS FOUNDATIONS /LA EDUCACION ALTERNATIVA Y SUS FUNDAMENTOS (Victor Hugo Garza. Escritor, músico, pintor, bailarín y payaso)

CREATING SUCCESSFUL ARTS PROGRAMS / DESARROLLANDO PROGRAMAS EXITOSOS PARA LAS ESCUELAS ~ Nelda Reyes, actor & director

11:30am - 12:30pm ~ Almuerzo / Lunch: Tamale Boy & La Bonita
 
12:30pm – 2pm ~ Arts workshops for professional artists:
LIVE ETHNIC MUSIC / MÚSICA ÉTNICA VIVA ~ Gerardo Calderon, compositor y músico

PERFORMANCE WITH COMMUNITY / TEATRO CON LA COMUNIDAD ~ Alida Wilson-Gunn, actor & director
 
2:15-3:15pm ~ Arts workshops for Children and professional artists / Talleres para niños y artistas profesionales:
BAMBOO FLUTE WORKSHOP / TALLER DE FLAUTA DE BAMBÚ ~ Alex Llumiquinga, músico  (Ages 8 - 75+)

CREATING YOUR MURAL / CREANDO TU MURAL, PASO A PASO ~ José Solis, muralista  (Ages 9 - 75+)

MAKING MUSIC WITH YOUR FEET / HACER MÚSICA CON LOS PIES ~ Luciana Proaño, dancer & sculptor (Ages 6 - 75+)

LIVE ETHNIC MUSIC / MÚSICA ÉTNICA VIVA ~ Gerardo Calderon, composer & musician (Ages 6 - 75+)

3:15pm - 4:30pm ~ Recepción: Con Andina & Red Tomato

For more information, please contact Olga Sanchez, lax@milagro.org or 503-236-7253

Teaching Art in the Schools: workshops for artists

The Latino Artists eXchange / el Intercambio de artistas Latinos calls all artists interested in supporting and improving the influence of Latino art in the state of Oregon, to meet together in participation and the fusion of ideas! 

For 2015, we are interested in exploring how to work with children by offering special workshops for adult artists on the Pedagogy of Teaching Arts in the Schools & Arts Workshops for Children in the afternoon!

Painters, sculptors, musicians, actors, poets, writers, photographers, dancers, etc. ~ If you enjoy motivating, sharing, expressing, teaching, but above all sharing and being part of a community then this is your opportunity, we seek you. Milagro is thrilled to host this free event, opening its doors to create a welcome, open space where artists can find inspiration, a home for expression and a place to share their experiences with other contemporaries on Saturday, February 21^st from 9:30am-4:30pm!

The genesis of LAX began in July, 2010, when Milagro invited artistic leaders representing a variety of disciplines to meet and share their advice, networks, and leadership, planting the seed for a collaborative group. This group unanimously agreed on holding a gathering of Latino artists to meet each other and to support the growth of the Latino artistic movement in the Pacific Northwest. Over 80 artists met in February, 2011 and again in June, 2012 for a day of networking, workshops and creative participation!  2015 will be the FOURTH LAX IdeAL!

For more information please contact Olga Sanchez by email or at 503-236-7253 or Jessica Lagunas: laxideal.pdx@gmail.com

Latino artists prepare for an "IdeAL" showcase

Español abajo

Latino artistry is alive and well in this fair City of Roses, and it's getting ready to burst forth in a unique showcase as the 4th edition of LAX/IdeAL, the Latino Artist eXchange / Intercambio de Artistas Latinos descends upon Portland's downtown!

Back in the summer of 2010, Milagro invited artistic leaders representing a variety of disciplines to meet and share their wisdom and leadership, planting the seed for an annual gathering where Latino artists meet each other and support the growth of the Latino artistic movement in the Pacific Northwest.

While in the past the format consisted of workshops and hands-on classes, this year's event will take the form of demonstrations and exhibits by carefully selected local visual and performing artists. The location has also changed from previous years; instead of hosting it at El Centro Milagro, LAX/IdeAL will be taking over the Rotunda of Portland5's Antoinette Hatfield Hall (map) this May 1 at 6pm.

A huge thanks to all the artists who submitted their application materials by the March 15 deadline; selected artists will be announced after the meeting of the Curatorial Council and director Olga Sanchez.


Follow Milagro and LAX/IdeAL to stay tuned and be sure not to miss this living sampler of the talent and art within our Latino communities!


Los artistas locales se preparan para un evento "IdeAL"
El arte latino está presente en esta bella Ciudad de las Rosas, y está a punto de estallar en una muestra única en la cuarta edición de LAX / IDEAL, el Latino Artist Exchange / Intercambio de Artistas Latinos, que pronto se presentará en el centro de Portland.

En el verano de 2010, Milagro invitó a líderes representando una variedad de disciplinas artísticas para conocer y compartir consejos, contactos y liderazgo, plantando la semilla de un evento anual donde los artistas latinos se reúnen y apoyan el crecimiento del movimiento artístico latino en el noroeste.

Mientras que en el pasado el formato tomó forma de talleres y clases prácticas, el evento de este año consistirá en demostraciones y exposiciones de artistas visuales y escénicos locales cuidadosamente seleccionados. La ubicación también ha cambiado respecto a años anteriores: en lugar de presentarse en el Centro Milagro, LAX / IDEAL se establecerá este 01 de mayo a las 6 pm en la Rotonda del Antonieta Hatfield Hall (mapa), parte del complejo Portland5.

Le damos un enorme agradecimiento a todos los artistas que presentaron sus materiales y solicitudes antes del 15 de marzo; los artistas seleccionados se darán a conocer después de la reunión del Consejo Curatorial y la directora Olga Sánchez.
Siga a Milagro y LAX/IdeAL para mantenerse informado y ¡no se pierda este muestrario viviente del arte y talento en nuestra comunidad!

LAX IdeAL 2013!

Bienvenidos!   So... what exactly will be happening at the LAX IdeAL on Saturday, April 27, 2013?

The day begins with registration and morning coffee, thanks to Pambiche restaurant.

At 9:30am our honored guest Eva Castellanoz, award-winning advocate of Pre-hispanic culture, artisanry and healing arts, will lead a welcoming ceremony accompanied by university instructor and Aztec dancer Willan "Yaotekpatl" Cervantes.

Then we move into the professional development workshops that will take place simultaneously in different areas of El Centro Milagro:

In the Zócalo, writer Marissa Martinez (Green Ferret, LLC) will Skype in from Boston with a workshop on how to create an effective Marketing plan for your event, your new cd, your exhibit, etc.

In the Milagro Theatre, actor & director Nelda Reyes (Nuestro Canto) will share the Basic elements of an Artist’s Business, including contract preparation, submitting invoices, and using Square.

In the Studio, musician Maria Damaris Silva (Bajo Salario) will share curriculums for artist-educators who Teach Spanish through Music, working with young students.

At Noon we break for LUNCH! Many thanks to Cha Cha Cha, Nicolas and Qdoba restaurants for their culinary support!

Saturday afternoon will be filled with arts workshops led by master artists of the Pacific Northwest:

Ricardo Cárdenas will guide an exploration into Classical Guitar and the inter-relation that exists between two different genres of Latin American music, including the influences between traditional or folkloric music and the academic or classical.


William Hernández & Susana Espino will lead the Creation of Art Objects, constructing 3-dimensional structures with a variety of materials and techniques to create an installation and inspire future exhibits.

Maria Ferrin (NW Conservatory of Dance) will teach Hispanic Ballet, the classic form with a Spanish/Mexican traditional flavor, demonstrating the differences in technique and dance disciplines.

Joaquin Lopez & Hector Hernandez will collaborate on a workshop of Murals of Color and Song, engaging participants to write songs while building a mural collaboratively.

Alejandro Ceballos will invite participants to observe objects and shapes for Color Drawing, building familiarity in the relationship between mind and hand.

And Frank Delgado will help us tap into our creative unconscious to create good stories with good characters using the right literary voice, in his Wired for Stories workshop.

At 5:15pm we meet all together in the Zócalo to share our goals, creative directions and visions for the future of the LAX/IdeAL and launch the RECEPTION & Open Mic! Thanks to Andina restaurant for its support; Milagro provides the beer!

Emerging and established artists, we hope to see you there to celebrate and strengthen the growing Latino Arts Movement of the Pacific Northwest!  To register please visit this page on Milagro's website, and for more information please feel free to contact Olga Sanchez, lax@milagro.org

Many thanks to Oregon Arts Commission, Oregon Community Foundation, Multnomah County Cultural Coalition and RACC and all our tremendous volunteers for their support!

Artists share skills, visions, inspiration at Latino Artists eXchange

Foto por Rachel Aguirre

Last month, Miracle Theatre Group played host to the second annual Latino Artists Exchange/Intercambio de Artistas Latinos -- a one-day conference brimming with arts, culture, professional development and networking. Check out this summary that Olga Sanchez wrote for El Hispanic News! (para leer en español, haz clic aquí)

Latino artists from as far away as Eugene joined artists from Woodburn, Portland, Beaverton, Hillsboro, and Vancouver at the Latino Artists eXchange 2012, held at El Centro Milagro on June 16th. Writers, painters, sculptures, actors, dancers, photographers, musicians, and more spent the day in creative camaraderie, learning from each other, building their skills, and sharing their professional visions.

The day began at 9 a.m. As artists arrived they were greeted by paintbrushes and rattles and invited to take up either or both. Performing artist and arts activist Erubiel Valladares Carranza spearheaded the welcoming activities. Working with painter Marta de Teresa and muralist Tomás Rivero, they created the beginnings of a collaborative mural, setting out a rainbow of paints and brushes for artists to add their touches to the wall.
In the center of the room, Kenya Hyde Márquez and Jessica Lagunas danced to start the day with energy, accompanied by musicians Kildem Soto, Johnny Villalva. and Erubiel Valladares, along with all the artists who picked up shakers and rattles to fill the space with rhythm, sound, and movement.

The morning performance was followed by professional workshops, held in a variety of spaces of El Centro Milagro. In the rehearsal studio, writers Ivonne Saed, Cindy Williams Gutiérrez, Kelly Carlos, and José Carlos led a literary conversation held in honor of the late Carlos Fuentes. In the Zócalo, painter Alejandro Ceballos spoke on the history of art to the 20th Century. In the Milagro Theatre, a conversation on professional development was led by performance artist and arts consultant Carolyn Campbell; Jessica Zapata, dancer, photographer and director of Eugene Arte Latino; and Maria Damaris, singer, musician and lead organizer of the Bajo Salario Collective.

After lunch the artists attended the first round of creative, collaborative workshops. In the Zócalo, singer/songwriter and chef Joaquín López and writer and graphic designer Ivonne Saed presented Food:Photo:Phrase, during which participants used fruits, vegetables and sauces to create beautiful culinary platters, before responding with phrases that were woven into poems and songs. In the Milagro Theatre, performing artist Víctor Hugo Garza and singer/songwriter Edna Vázquez used music, costumes, and major arcana images to launch original performances in their Tarot Theatre workshop. In the scene shop, visual artist William Hernández worked with percussionist Johnny Villalva and musicians Erubiel Valladares and Kildem Soto to draw evocative portraits based on quick impressions and influenced by the shifting rhythms of drums and sounds in the room.

After a short break it was on to the second round of creative workshops. In the Zócalo, dancer and psychotherapist Kenya Márquez and sculptor Susana Espino created a soothing environment for their workshop on managing stress with artistic methods. In the studio, three artists worked side by side; Alejandro Ceballos shared new techniques for drawing and shadowing in his workshop Dibujo y Sombras, and Marta de Teresa and poet Juan Cervantes created an Encounter of Word and Image, in which poetry influenced the creation of colorful pastel drawings.

After the afternoon of arts workshops, the artists came together in the Milagro Theatre to share what the day had meant to them, how it strengthened their skills and their professions. The day ended with a reception in the Zócalo, featuring food, an open mic session with folkloric music, and a celebration of two guests of honor, painter Elvira Maciel Browning and poet Xahel Galicia.

The event was made possible by the efforts of an excellent team of volunteers guided by Blas Delascio and Estela Robinson, as well as support from the Oregon Arts Commission, Oregon Community Foundation, Regional Arts & Culture Council, Multnomah County Cultural Coalition, Safeway, Panadería Miranda de Woodburn, Pambiche, Pepino’s and Andina restaurants.

Photo of the Day: June 18, 2012

June 18, 2012, a photo by Miracle Theatre Group on Flickr.

The collaborative mural from last Saturday's Latino Artists eXchange/Intercambio de Artistas Latinos. Watch for more news from LAX/IdeAL to be posted to the Miracle Theatre Group blog soon!

LAX IdeAL 2012 ~ ¡EL HORARIO DE LOS EVENTOS!

 

Bueno, ¿qué está planeado para el LAX IdeAL el sábado entrante 16 de junio?

¡Bienvenidos!  El día comienza a las 9am con dos proyectos colaborativos para la participacion de todos. Primero hay la oportunidad de contribuir tu estilo visual al mural, un fondo creado por Erubiel Valladares, Marta de Teresa y Tomas Rivero, y también habrá un calentamiento físico de baile y movimiento guiado por Kenya Hyde-Marquez y Jessica Lagunas acompañado por música de Kildem Soto y Erubiel Valladares.

¡Muchas gracias a la Panadería Miranda de Woodburn por el rico pan dulce que acompañara nuestro cafecito gracias a Safeway por la mañana!

A las 10am la primera conversación profesional empieza con cuatro escritores diversos, novelistas, poetas y dramaturgos los cuales compartirán excerptas de sus obras y hablaran sobre su inspiración y sus carreras profesionales: Ivonne Saed, Kelly Carlos, Cindy Williams Gutierrez and Jose Carlos.        

A las 10.30am dos otras conversaciones empiezan. En el zócalo, el pintor Alejandro Ceballos presentara La Historia del arte desde los principios al siglo XX.

También a las 10.30am en el teatro, los panelistas Carolyn Campbell (RACC), Maria Damaris (Bajo Salario Collective), and Jessica Zapata (Eugene Arte Latino) ofrecerán un taller de desarrollo profesional para ayudar a los artistas a identificar sus metas y compartirán sus experiencias sobre como han formando conexiones con sus audiencias.

Mediodía ~ ¡EL ALMUERZO! ¡Muchas gracias a los restaurantes Pambiche y Pepinos por su apoyo!  (¡Por favor REGISTRE antes del 10 de junio para asegurar su almuerzo!)

Después del almuerzo habrá varios talleres multidisciplinarios

1.00-2.30pm

Comida : foto : frase

Este taller impartido por Ivonne Saed: escritora, fotógrafa, diseñadora grafica, etc., en conjunto con Joaquín López, músico, compositor, chef, fusionaran sus habilidades  en un taller dinámico de fotografía, comida y mas, utilizando como primer recurso ingredientes culinarios, en donde llevaran a los participantes a descubrir su lado ingenioso en el arte gastronómico y más.

Perspectivas Acústicas

William Hernandez Pintor reconocido internacionalmente por su diversidad de exposiciones, nos enseña a crear diferentes expresiones faciales o del rostro cuando la música acústica de Johnny Villalva y sus amigos acompañen a crear las expresiones que salen del alma al escuchar tan vibrantes melodías!

Teatro Tarot

Edna Vázquez cantante y compositora de diferentes géneros musicales en esta ocasión experimenta el mundo místico del tarot  que Victor H. Garcia Actor, maestro de Artes y filosofo  nos comparten al fusionar sus disciplinas en una original actividad en donde los participantes podrán viajar y conocer una diferente forma de expresión.

2.45-4.15pm

Opciones en manejo de stress con métodos artísticos

Kenya Hyde-Marquez maestra terapeuta, bailarina de música mexicana folklórica, con un extenso e internacional currículo en compañía con Susana Espino escultora y fotógrafa, expondrán temas sobre cómo eliminar el estrés cuando eres artista utilizando una terapia muy original combinada con un poco de escultura.

Un encuentro de tu palabra y la expresión en el arte

La pintura clásica de Marta de Teresa expresara los sentimientos profundos de la poesía literaria de Juan Cervantes llevando a los participantes a crear un mundo imaginario utilizando el Gis como instrumento básico de la pintura.

Dibujo y sombras

Alejandro Ceballos es pintor y en esta ocasión estará impartiendo un taller en donde invita a todos a crear sombras sobre dibujo a lápiz llevando a los participantes a usar un tipo de expresión alternativa y muy original.

A las 4.15pm nos reunimos en el teatro para compartir nuestras metas y direcciones creativas.

5:00pm ~ ¡LA RECEPCION!  ¡Muchas gracias al restaurante Andina por su apoyo!  ¡El Milagro aportara la cerveza!

¡Esperamos verte allí, artistas nuevos y establecidos para celebrar y fortalecer el movimiento de artes Latinos que surge en el Noroeste Pacifico!

¡Muchísimas gracias al Oregon Arts Commission, Oregon Community Foundation, Multnomah County Cultural Coalition y RACC y a todos nuestros tremendos voluntarios por su apoyo!

LAX IdeAL 2012 ~ SCHEDULE of EVENTS!

So, what exactly will be happening at the LAX IdeAL on Saturday, June 16?

Welcome! The day begins at 9am with two collaborative projects for everyone to join in.  One, the opportunity to add your visual style to a mural background created by Erubiel Valladares, Marta de Teresa and Tomas Rivero, and then a movement/dance warm-up created by Kenya Marquez and Jessica Lagunas with music by Kildem Soto and Erubiel Valladares.

Many thanks to Panaderia Miranda de Woodburn for providing the pan dulce to accompany our morning coffee thanks to Safeway!

At 10am the first professional conversation begins with four diverse writers, novelists, poets, playwrights, who will share excerpts from their work and talk about their inspiration and professional journeys: Ivonne Saed, Kelly Carlos, Cindy Williams Gutierrez and Jose Carlos.        

At 10:30am two other conversations begin.  In the zócalo, painter Alejandro Ceballos will present a History of Art to the 20^th century.  

Also at 10:30am, in the theatre, panelists Carolyn Campbell (RACC), Maria Damaris (Bajo Salario Collective), and Jessica Zapata (Eugene Arte Latino) will offer a professional development workshop to help artists identify their goals and share their experiences with building their connections to their audiences.

At Noon ~ LUNCH!  Many thanks to Pambiche and Pepino’s restaurants for their support!  (Please REGISTER by June 10 to secure your lunch!)

In the afternoon there are a number of multidisciplinary arts workshops:

1:00-2:30pm

Food : photo : phrase

Ivonne Saed, writer, photographer, graphic designer, in collaboration with Joaquin Lopez, musician, composer, chef, will fuse their skills in a dynamic workshop combining photography, food and more, using culinary resources as the foundation that will inspire participants to discover their creativty in the gastronomic arts and more!

Acoustic Perspectives

William Hernandez, internationally renowned painter for his diverse exhibits will show u show to create different facial expressions as percussionist Johnny Villalva and his friends accompany the creation of expressions that emerge from the soul while listening to vibrant tunes!

Tarot Theatre

Edna Vazquez, singer and composer of a variety of musical genres will experiment with the mystical realm of the tarot that Victor H. Garcia, actor, arts educator and philosopher will share through fusing their disciplines in an original activity where participants will travel and learn a unique form of expression.

2:45-4:15

Managing Stress using Artistic Methods

Kenya Hyde-Marquez, therapist-educator, Mexican folkloric dance teacher with extensive international experience will collaborate with Susana Espino, sculptor and photographer, to reveal ways to eliminate the stress of the artistic life uslng original therapeutic methods combined with sculpture.

An Encounter of Words and Expression in Art

Marta de Teresa, painter and muralist together with writer and poet Juan Cervantes will offer participants an opportunity to create an imaginary world, inspired by poetic literature, using Gis as the basic material for painting.

Drawing and Shading

Alejandro Ceballos, painter, will share a workshop on drawing and shadow where participants will learn an alternative and original form of visual expression,

At 4:15pm we meet all together in the theatre to share our goals and creative directions.

5:00pm ~ RECEPTION!  Thanks to Andina restaurant for its support.  Miracle Theatre brings the beer!

We hope to see you there, emerging and established artists to celebrate and strengthen the growing Latino Arts Movement of the Pacific Northwest!

Many thanks to Oregon Arts Commission, Oregon Community Foundation, Multnomah County Cultural Coalition and RACC and all the tremendous volunteers for their support!

Entrevista con Jessica Lagunas sobre LAX-IdeAL

(For English, check back later today.)

Conoce a Jessica Lagunas, la mujer detrás de la coordinación del gran evento de LAX-IdeAL (Latino Artists eXchange/Intercambio de Artistas Latinos) el cual se llevara acabo el sábado 16 de junio 2012, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. en el Centro Milagro (537 SE Stark). Jessica se tomó unos minutos para contarnos un poco acerca de sí misma y sobre de LAX-IdeAL este año.

¿Nos podrías contar un poco sobre ti?
Soy mexicana, me vine a vivir en Portland hace 7 años, después de terminar mis estudios en la Universidad.
Me he dedicado en los últimos años a desarrollar mi carrera de manera profesional pero al mismo tiempo me doy mi tiempo para involucrarme de una o de otra forma con el Arte y la Comunidad.

¿Nos podrías contar un poco sobre LAX-IdeAL? 
Bueno, LAX-IdeAL nació de la idea de varios artistas que nos juntamos para crear un evento en donde pudiéramos convivir y traer a otros colegas del noroeste con el fin de crear un espacio o red en donde todos estemos conectados. El Intercambio de Artistas Latinos es ahora un evento que se celebra cada año en donde  a través de la convivencia y la expresión en talleres de arte, conferencias y charlas todos nos reunimos para aportar lo mejor de nosotros.

¿Cuál ha sido tu experiencia dentro de las artes?
Mi mayor interés es la fotografía y la danza. La ciudad de Portland ha sido mi mayor inspiración para poder realizarme como Artista. El poder convivir con una comunidad que está tan conectada y enfocada en el Arte me ha permitido que yo desarrolle mis habilidades artísticas pero sobretodo mis redes sociales.

¿Cuál es tu asociación con LAX-IdeAL? Cuanto tiempo llevas participando en LAX-IdeAL?
Llevo dos años siendo parte de la organización de este evento, en esta ocasión soy la coordinadora del evento.

¿Nos podrías contar un poco sobre el evento de LAX-IdeAL el cual se llevara acabo el sábado 16 de junio?
Este evento será bien diferente al del año pasado. Lo tenemos lleno de nuevas actividades nueva gente y nuevas expectativas, claro sin dejar a un lado la esencia de lo que es el LAX/IdeAL que se caracteriza por la creatividad de los Artistas en los Talleres de Arte.

¿Cuál es tu papel en los preparativos? 
Como coordinadora del evento tengo que estar al pendiente de que cada una de las actividades este detallada a la mayor perfección posible, pongo mucho amor y energía en mi trabajo y quiero que se refleje en la  satisfacción de todos los invitados. Fusionar los Talleres de Arte es  mi creación y en este año las propuestas de los Artistas fueron fenomenales,  mi  tiempo y dedicación son para que los artistas que imparten estos tengan todo lo que necesitan.

¿Cuáles son los retos más grandes que esta enfrentando LAX-IdeAL en estos momentos?
Creo que es el tiempo, hay demasiado que compartir, hay  muchos artistas  que quieren expresar sus ideas, muchos temas que discutir y mucho que aprender y un día no nos es suficiente.

¿Cuál es el propósito de esta reunión el 16 de junio, 2012? 
Mira aparte de reunir a más artistas, y que todos pasemos un rato muy lindo, la finalidad del evento es que nos mantengamos en contacto durante todo el año para crear una red en donde nos podamos ayudar los unos a los otros en nuestro desarrollo profesional.

¿Porque es necesario el tener un grupo como LAX-IdeAL en Portland?
Somos  la primera red de Artistas Latinos en la comunidad en donde  trabajando juntos y apoyándonos  unos a otros hemos creado  un grupo de artistas con la misma intensión, con muchas ganas de realimentar el  desarrollo profesional pero  sobretodo el gusto de  transmitir la expresión y el conocimiento.

* * *


Meet Jessica Lagunas the amazing woman coordinating this year’s LAX-IdeAL event which will be held Saturday, June 16 2012 9 a.m.-6 p.m. at El Centro Milagro (537 SE Stark). Jessica took a few minutes to tell us a little about herself and this year’s LAX-IdeAL event. Here is some of what she had to say.

Could you tell us a little about yourself? 
I am Mexican, I moved to Portland 7 years ago after finishing college. In the last few years, I have dedicated myself to building my professional career but at the same time I give myself time to get involved in the Arts and the Community in some capacity.

Could you tell us a little about LAX-IdeAL? 
LAX-IdeAL was born from the idea of several artists who got together to create an event where we could bring together other colleagues from the Northwest in an effort to create a space or a network through which we could all be connected. Now, the Latin Artists Exchange is an event that is held yearly, where we come together and give the best of ourselves through our sharing and artistic expression in art workshops, conferences, and conversations.

What has been your experience in the arts?
My biggest artistic interests are photography and dance. The city of Portland has been my biggest inspiration to fulfill myself as Artist. Being able to live with a community that is so connected and focused on the Arts has allowed me to develop my artistic skills as well as build my social networks.

What is your role in LAX-IdeAL? How long have you been participating in LAX-IdeAL? 
I have been part of the organization for the last two years, this time I am the coordinator of the event.

Could you tell us a little about this year’s LAX-IdeAL event which will be held Saturday June 16?
This year’s event will be very different from the one a year ago. It will be full of new activities, new people with new expectations, without leaving aside the essence of what characterizes LAX-IdeAL which is characterized by the creativity of participating artists in the art workshop.

What is your role in the preparations for this year’s event?
As event coordinator I have to make sure that all the details of each of the programed activities are taken care of. I put a lot of love and energy into the work I do and I hope it will be reflected in the satisfaction of the attendees. My idea this year was to merge the art workshops. This year’s workshop proposals by artists were phenomenal. My time and dedication on this project is so that the artists who will be conducting these workshops have everything they need.

What are the biggest challenges LAX-IdeAL is facing right now? 
I think it's time! There is so much to share, there are so many artists who want to express their ideas, so many issues to discuss and so much to learn and one day is not enough.

Why is necessary to have a group like LAX-IdeAL in Portland?
We are the first network of Latino artists in the community where working together and supporting each other we have created a group of artists with the same intent, eager to feed our professional development but especially pleased to transmit our forms of expression and knowledge.

Photo of the Day: May 31, 2012

May 31, 2012, a photo by Miracle Theatre Group on Flickr.

Winnie, our summer marketing intern, broke out the ladder and changed up our marquee just in time for LAX-IDEAL, our Latino Artists Exchange/Intercambio de Artistas Latinos, coming up on June 16, 2012.

Latino Artists eXchange/Intercambio de Artistas Latinos

(For English, see below)

¡Estamos a  solo unas semanas de LAX/IdeAL (Latino Artists eXchange/Intercambio de Artistas Latinos) 2012! Con el gran evento programado para el 16 de junio, nos complace el introducir a algunos de los artistas detrás del evento tan esperado. Erubiel Valladares es un artista local cuyo trabajó como voluntario en LAX/IdeAL ha sido un gran apoyo. Erubiel es parte integral del grupo desde que se unió a este esfuerzo hace un año. Este año, Erubiel está organizando un mural colectivo el cual se montará durante el evento. Hablamos con Erubiel sobre LAX/IdeAL y la importancia de este grupo para los artistas latinos en el panorama artístico de Oregon.

¿Nos podrías contar un poco sobre tu trayectoria?
Originalmente soy de Querétaro, México. Nací y crecí en México en varios lugares incluyendo Pachuca, DF, y Chihuahua. A los 17 años me trajeron a los Estados Unidos a Woodburn, OR. Al graduarme de la high school fui parte de la guardia nacional y obtuve una beca para asistir a la universidad de Western Oregon donde obtuve mi licenciatura en las artes.

¿Cual ha sido tu experiencia dentro de las artes?
Mi primera experiencia fue con un grupo en Woodburn llamado “Flor y Canto” que se dedicaba a desarrollar Danza Azteca, Teatro y Música. La verdad es que mi amor por el teatro empezó haciendo teatro en las calles con un grupo de actores que exponían problemas sociales por medio del teatro. Ahí fue donde empezó mi amor al teatro y mi inspiración y deseo de  llegar ser un dramaturgo/dermatólogo que cura nuestra comunidad con una dosis de conciencia y afrontando los problemas de nuestra gente por medio de las artes.

¿Nos podrías contar un poco sobre LAX/IdeAL? 
LAX/IdeAL es una idea y una iniciativa que tiene la capacidad de impactar significativamente a muchos artistas que no tienen el privilegio de tener una carrera pagada, o de ir a las escuelas especializadas en las artes. Lo mas padre de LAX es que esta compuesto por artistas latinos quienes queremos ayudarnos unos a los otros para superarnos.

¿Qué es lo que más disfrutas de LAX/IdeAL y porque?
Lo que me encanta es que cuando nos juntamos es como si habláramos la misma lengua. Como que hay algo muy común entre los artistas que no se puede explicar pero a pesar de nuestras diferentes ideas de alguna forma siempre podemos llegar a algún acuerdo. Y en la conferencia anual, es como agua para beber. El día se va súper rápido ya que en los talleres y entre pláticas conoces a gente muy interesante. Me siento como pez en el agua.

Sé que se están preparando para la segunda junta de LAX-IdeAL este junio. ¿Nos podrías contar un poco sobre este evento que se llevara acabo el 16 de junio? 
Desde la bienvenida hasta el final todo estará  relacionado con arte y expresión. Es un espacio donde podremos desarrollando nuestros cuerpos y mentes. Lo más importante y chido es que es un espacio donde podremos conectarnos entre artistas. Será un espacio de aprendizaje, desarrollo y de conexión entre artistas … y hasta un lugar donde podremos encajar y posiblemente hallar gente con la que podremos tener una larga amistad.

¿Que podemos esperar si asistimos al evento?
Unos diálogos increíbles, talleres que te ayudaran en tu desarrollo como artista.

¿Porque es necesario el tener un grupo como LAX/IdeAL en Portland?
Es necesario por que en realidad no hay los recursos necesarios para que los artistas latinos podamos desarrollarnos. Es muy caro el tomar cursos en escuelas especializadas y muchos de nosotros no tenemos los recursos … Es muy difícil tener in impacto monetario como artista; pero definitivamente es necesario que existan centros comunitarios en los pueblos alrededor para que artistas puedan mostrar su talento…Para hacer cambios nuestra gente necesita estar en este tipo de organizaciones para que puedan superarse ayudándonos unos a los otros como comunidad a superarnos.

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2012 LAX/IdeAL is upon us! With the big event scheduled for June 16 we are excited to introduce some of the artists behind this year’s much anticipated event. First up meet Erubiel Valladares a local artist, strong supporter and active LAX-IdeAL volunteer who has been an integral part of LAX since last year. This year, Erubiel is helping organize a collaborative mural project. We talked to Erubiel about LAX/IdeAL and the importance of this Latino artist collaborative in the Oregon artistic landscape.

¿Can you tell us a Little about yourself?
I am originally from Queretaro, Mexico. I was born in Mexico and raised in several different places including Pachuca, DF, and the state of Chihuahua. At the age of 17 we moved to the U.S., to Woodburn, OR. When I graduated from high school I joined the National Guard and received a scholarship to enroll at Western Oregon University where I received my BA.

Tell us a little about your experience in the art world.
My first experience was with a group called “Flor y Canto” in Woodburn. They developed different forms of Aztec dancing, theatre, and music. The truth is that I fell in love with theatre when I was performing with a group of actors who did street theatre focused on social issues. It was there in the streets that my love and inspiration for the theatre began. It was there where my desire to become a playwright and to reach out to the community through conscientious theatre and the arts began.

Can you tell us a little about LAX/IdeAL?
LAX/IdeAL is an idea and an initiative that has the possibility to significantly impact many artists. Artists who have not had the privilege of having an education at specialized institutions that are most often out of their reach. One of the coolest things about LAX/IdeAL is that it is made up of Latino artists that want to help one another succeed.

What do you most enjoy about LAX/IdeAL and why?
What I love most is when we get together it’s as if we spoke the same language. It’s as if there is something in common between all artists that you just can’t explain even though we have different ideas somehow we can always come to some agreement. The annual conference is like taking a drink of refreshing water. Between the workshops and interesting people, the day goes by fast. I always feel like a fish who’s found his pond, in other words, right at home.

You are in full swing preparations for the second meeting of LAX/IdeAL which is happening on June 16th. Can you tell us a little about the event? 
From welcome to the end everything will revolve around art and artistic expression. It is a space where we can develop our minds and bodies as artists. The coolest and most important thing is that it is a space where we can connect with each other as artists. It will be a space for learning, developing and connecting amongst artists … it could even be place where one finds people with whom to cultivate a long lasting friendship.

What can we expect from this event?
Incredible dialogues, workshops that will help you develop as an artist.

Why do you think it’s necessary to have a group like LAX/IdeAL here in Portland?
It is necessary because the reality is there are not enough resources for the development of Latino artist. It is very expensive to go to specialty schools and many of us do not have the resources… It is difficult to make enough money to live as an artist; but it is most definitely necessary to have community centers in the surrounding towns so that artist can exhibit… To make any changes, our people need these types of organizations to help one another overcome adversity.