By Morgan Borrego
On Friday, December 2nd, the Altepemeh Chicano/a Art Exhibition opened in CSU-Pueblo’s Art and Music building. The artistic works and practice of 4 selected artists reveal that the ancient Altepemeh order persists today. Altepemeh has Nahuatl roots and references a social, political, and creative order that stems from their ancestors and empowers the community.
Four local artists from Denver or Pueblo have their work displayed in the exhibition. Juan Espinosa, Sylvia Montero, Arletta Lucero, and Tony Ortega each have their own wall full of art.
Juan Espinosa, a photojournalist from Pueblo, Colorado, has had his photos used in countless documentaries, newspapers, magazines, and exhibits. Espinosa was a reporter for The Pueblo Chieftain and founded El Diario and La Cucaracha Chicano newspapers. Just this year, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Boulder, Colorado. His work can be found in CSU-Pueblo’s Chicano Archives.
Sylvia Montero is a multitalented artist from Denver, Colorado, who does painting, printmaking, photography and performing arts. Being of Mexican and Native descent, she is passionate about spreading awareness of the missing indigenous women through her art. Montero’s art is centered around expressing her life experiences and social issues. She creates strong and stunning visual impacts.
Arletta Lucero, from Denver, Colorado, creates art full of emotion, feeling and desire and has over 30 years of experience as a fine artist, professional graphic designer, and children’s book illustrator. She uses a combination of realism and symbolism to create bright polished manifestations of her obsessions. Lucero is passionate about local nonprofits and brings her art into many libraries, schools and recreational facilities.
