15th Annual NALAC Leadership Institute

I am very excited to be selected to attend the 15th Annual NALAC Leadership Institute (QuinceaÑera)! July 13-18, 2015, San Antonio,TX. From the NALAC website:

OVERVIEW
The NALAC Leadership Institute (NLI) is a week-long rigorous program in arts management and leadership development that delivers innovative and practical strategies that lead to successful business practices in the arts. The dynamic learning environment cultivates a familiar, inclusive cultural space that provides multiple generations of Latino artists, arts managers and cultural promoters the support, knowledge, and agency to confidently respond to and initiate solutions to complex cultural questions.

Applicants to the NLI are accepted from multiple generations of Latino artists, arts managers and cultural promoters in various stages of career development. A group of 15-25 participants (are) selected to attend the NLI in San Antonio, TX.

CURRICULUM
The Leadership Institute curriculum is based on the historical overview and analysis of Latino arts and cultures in the U.S., including the vital role of community involvement. This lens provides the framework for all Institute presentations, discussions, and exercises. Class topics include:
Advocacy, Capacity Building, Evaluation, Strategic Planning, Budgeting, Grant Writing, Fundraising, Mission & Vision, Governance, Management, Programming, Marketing

NLI Class of 2015
Eric Aviles, New York, NY, Artist & Educator
Jessica Alarcon / Omilani, Miami, FL
Diana Calderon, Dallas, TX
Maritxell Carrero, San Diego, CA
Alma Catalan, Los Angeles, CA
Gabriella Anais Deal-Marquez, Minneapolis, MN
Rodrigo Ehecatl Duran, San Francisco, CA, Carnaval San Francisco
Rosalyn Escobar, Los Angeles, CA, Ford Theatres/Los Angeles County Arts Commission
Rossana Espinoza, Silver Spring, MD
Sita Frederick, New York, NY
Yovani Flores, Phoenix, AZ, Mujeres del Sol
Ileana Fuentes, Miami, FL, Cuban Museum, Inc.
Dilenia Garcia, Fayetteville, AR
Angela Godoy, Montgomery Village, MD
Leticia Gomez, San Diego, CA, New Americans Museum
Hector Gonzalez, Brooklyn, NY, Just 3 INC
Stephen Ingle, El Paso, TX, Creative Kids Inc.
Gabriel Jimenez, Los Angeles, CA, Plaza de la Raza
Anna Isabel Leal, Berkeley, CA, La Peña Cultural Center
Rosalie Lopez, Albuquerque, NM, Working Classrooms Inc.
Alexandra Meda, San Carlos, CA, Teatro Luna
David Mendizabal, New York, NY, The Movement Theatre Company
Crystal Mercado, National City, CA, The Old Globe
Lydia E. Perez, Warwick, RI, Puerto Rican Institute for Arts and Advocacy, Inc.
Mario Ramirez, Austin, TX
Raul Rivera, Bronx, NY, The Bronx Academy of Arts & Dance
Chantal Rodriguez, Los Angeles, CA, Latino Theater Company
Sussy Santana, Providence, RI
Thelma Uranga, Chicago, IL, ElevArte Community Studio

book cover illustration- Un Cubano Mas

I had the honor to illustrate for the cover of Un Cubano Mas (One More Cuban), a story written by Silvia Carrillo Rodriguez 2015.
Dibujo para la portada de el libro escrito por Silvia Carrillo Rodriguez, Un Cubano Mas.

Our Lady of Guadalupe painting

Acrylic on canvas, 2014/15

Digital prints available on Etsy Shop.

St. Philomena painting details

D. Calderon, St. Philomena, Acrylic on canvas details, 2014

Self Portrait. Auto Retrato.

This Acrylic on canvas, 18 x 36 inches, I created for a group exhibition for the Phoenix Fridas show. Celebrating my 2nd year in the art collective! July - August 2014 

Thank you Phoenix Fridas! 

2014

CALACA Meztli-Heart & Symbol Exhibition 2014

Meztli-Heart & Symbol, Exhibition at Willo North Gallery, Phoenix, March 2014

monosilk screen print

M.A.C. Mesa Art Center Contemporary Arts Museum - Preparator Apprenticeship

Preparator apprenticeship at the MAC! Helping install the First Impressions Exhibit with Preparator Marco Albarran.


Diana Calderon, MAC January 2014

First Impressions. When: Friday, December 13, 2013 - Sunday, March 23, 2014

 

First Impressions

Print Calendar 5-Year Retrospective    

"First Impressions is the first retrospective exhibition that showcases all the prints that have been part of the Mesa Contemporary Arts Annual Print Calendar in the last five years. Featuring artists from across the country, the prints, range from relief prints to screen prints as well as etchings to lithographs. The exhibition also features the jurors who made the selection choices each year: Joe Segura, Kathryn Maxwell, John Armstrong, Brent Bond and David Manje."

"Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum is the exciting visual art exhibition space at Mesa Arts Center. In five stunning galleries, MCAM showcases curated and juried exhibitions of contemporary art by emerging and internationally recognized artists. MCAM also offers lectures by significant artists and arts professionals, art workshops, and a volunteer docent program."

Tarahumara Art created at the Mesa Art Center

I have always been intrigued by the Tarahumara people. The Rarámuri or Tarahumara are a Native American people of northwestern Mexico who are renowned for their long-distance running ability. Being born in the state of Chihuahua, I go visit every year.

January 11, 2014 I was invited to participate in an artist workshop with XICO Inc, Arte y Cultura. First time making a mono silkscreen under the instruction of David Manje! Thank you XICO.  

My prints on the drying rack:

Indio Tarahumara,  D. Calderon,  2014

Tarahumara,  D. Calderon 2014 

Pie Tarahumara,  D. Calderon 2014 

2013 Solo Exhibition

Diana Calderon, "When Oceans Rise" wood carving 2013

Featured Artist at In-Power Boutique

701 East Western Avenue, Suite B,
Avondale, AZ 85323
623-565-3958

Boutique Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday 12 pm - 6 pm
Saturday 12 pm-7 pm

Saint Francis of Assisi ~ ART

Diana Calderon, St. Francis of Assisi, woodburn, 2013

Now here is a saint (1181 - 1226) that continues to inspires many of us today. St. Francis had a mustard seed and was definitely not afraid to use it! Learn more about St. Francis of Assisi here!

Calaca "Segunda Vida" Exhibition

Diana Calderon, Legacy, 2013, mixed-media

October 4th to October 25th
The “Segunda Vida” Group exhibition at Bragg’s is part of CALACA’s 9th Annual Dia de los Muertos and complementing the 2013 Grand Avenue Festival, Calaca will present to the public a contemporary exhibition on the Day of the Dead. Artists will present qualitative pieces, using contemporary techniques in recycle/repurposed items that could become part of an elaborate installation. Artists will be challenge to create contemporary pieces of substance, uniqueness and higher symbolic meaning, thus complementing the core of the ancient celebration. For additional information visit www.calaca.org

Participating Artists:
Diana Calderon, Emily Costello, Ralph Cordova, El Vaquero Muerto, Monica Gisel-Crespo, Armando Williams, Ruben Galicia, Marco Albarran, ReggieCasillas, Martin Moreno, Cathy & Patrick Murillo, Gabriela Munoz, Cynthia Moreno, and Annette Sexton-Ruiz.

Bragg’s Pie Factory, 1301 NW Grand Ave, Phoenix, AZ

Opening Reception: First Friday, October 4th, 6pm to 10pm

3rd Friday Reception: October 18th, 6pm to 10pm

5th Annual Grand Ave Festival: Saturday, October 19th, 11am to 10pm

Dia de los Muertos Festival PHX

COME SEE & support your local artists downtown Phoenix, 1pm - 6pm!

CALA 2013 Hispanic Mural Project - in Maryvale

Co-directing one final mural project with Las Artes de Maricopa, unfortunately before their doors closed!
Thanks to everyone who participated in this collaboration, with special thanks to Martin Moreno, Gloria Casillas-Martinez, Annallisa Serna, Charlie Serna, Monique Sanderson Mata, Reggie Casillas, Norma Garcia-Torres. The 4 x 12 feet, hand-painted tile mural will be permanently installed in the Maryvale neighborhood. The mural will be designated as a showcase event during the CALA Phoenix Festival on November 1st and 2nd, 2013.

2013 CALA Hispanic Mural Project, Directed by Diana Calderon & Martin Moreno

"Arte de Latino" Phoenix Center for the Arts

The Phoenix Center for the Arts exhibits monthly art shows with the work of emerging and established artists. "Arte de Latino" is displayed for the month of September, 2013. All shows open on First Fridays!

Here's a piece of the story. My small and immediate family migrated to El Paso, Texas in 1987. Moving to the U.S. was sad and difficult for me. I truly missed the support of my relatives and the culture. I missed the little things, such as playing at parks and frequently sharing meals with at least a dozen relatives. I missed cleaning with my family while listening to the Spanish music of Vicente Fernandez, Rocio Dulcal, Juan Gabriel, El Puma, Timbiriche, Flan, Lucero and Luis Miguel-to name a few. I also missed watching novelas, El Chavo and Topollillo on tv, getting ice cream after mass, and taking after noon naps with my favorite aunts. I feel that having Ciudad Juarez as a twin city, made the transition of moving to El Paso less painful. I grew up traveling to my home town in the city of Chihuahua every summer to spend time with my beloved relatives. 
The setting of this monoprint titled "Border" is in downtown Juarez, Mexico. Driving or walking across the border was common, weather it was to visit relatives, dine, shop, party or go to the dentist. In 2004, I moved solo to Tempe, AZ and it opened my eyes to my Latina identity. Not being around the Mexican culture, and in my early 20's, I finally felt I was living in the USA! I experienced a little bit of a culture shock and became home sick, missing the home made food made by my loving Abue (grandmother). 




Diana Calderon, "Border" Monoprint, 2013

Cielito Park Mural, Phoenix

The latest mural I created with Las Artes de Maricopa, inaugurated June 2013:

Sketch #2 designed by Diana Calderon

 

 



Cielito Park is located on 35th Avenue and Campbell
 

Phoenix Fridas - Annual Exhibiton

Join us as we once again celebrate the life, art, and inspiration of Frida Kahlo.
JULY 5-28, 2013
BURTON BARR PUBLIC LIBRARY, 1221 N. CENTRAL AVE., PHOENIX, AZ 85004

Woodburn & Acrylic, 10 x 10 inches, SOLD

Inspired Soles 2013 Art Show



Defend us in Battle, Acrylic on shoe! Diana Calderon, 2013

Cesar Chavez, "Fast for Life"



"ALAC is proud to honor the legacy of César E. Chávez through an exhibition that celebrates the life and times of the national icon. The unique collection of artistic photographs featuring the United Farm Workers and the American Civil Right's Movement will inspire all. ¡SI, SE PUEDE!"
Opening Exhibition March 1st at Galeria 147, located at 147 E. Adams Street, downtown Phoenix

Diana Calderon, monoprint, 2013

Titled, Fast For Life, my piece is about Chavez’s faith; sacrifice, fasting and prayer.  “Cesar was willing to sacrifice his own life so that the union would continue and that violence was not used. Cesar fasted many times. In 1968 Cesar went on a water only, 25 day fast. He repeated the fast in 1972 for 24 days, and again in 1988, this time for 36 days. What motivated him to do this? He said, Farm workers everywhere are angry and worried that we cannot win without violence. We have proved it before through persistence, hard work, faith and willingness to sacrifice. We can win and keep our own self-respect and build a great union that will secure the spirit of all people if we do it through a rededication and recommitment to the struggle for justice through nonviolence.” “Cesar Chavez left our world better than he found it, and his legacy inspires us still. He was for his own people a Moses figure," the President declared. "The farm workers who labored in the fields and yearned for respect and self-sufficiency pinned their hopes on this remarkable man who, with faith and discipline, soft spoken humility and amazing inner strength, led a very courageous life." UFW.org

Honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe, monoprint

A Monoprint is a single impression made on paper from glass or some equally smooth material to which ink has been applied, usually has images or lines that can only be made once, unlike most printmaking, where there are multiple originals.


D.Calderon, monoprint of Our Lady, 2012 

On display now through Decemper 29th, 2012 at ALAC's 3rd Annual Art & Spiritual Celebration: Honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Desert Botanical Garden Exhibition of Ofrendas 2012

Once again, the Annual Altar Exhibition at the Desert Botanical Garden!

Join us in celebration of traditional Mexican celebration of Día de los

Mertos at the Desert Botanical Garden. Webster Auditorium, Friday, October 26, 2012 through Sunday, November 4, 2012 and view art installations by yours truly, and other local and renowned artists. All installations are original pieces created specifically for this exhibition.

Zarco Guerrero, states "This year's theme Amor Eterno is taken from the heart wrenching song by Juan Gabriel in which he expresses his longing for the return of the love of his life: His Mother. In Mexico, the theme of death is popular in music, poetry and the arts and is always infused with passion, sorrow and more often than not, with biting humor. Love and lost Love in particular ~ are a universal theme we find in all cultures as it is the ultimate expression of our humanity."




Installation at Desert Botanical Garden



 

My installation refers to Rom 8:35-39
Romanos 8:35–39
¿Quién nos separará del amor de Cristo? ¿Tribulación, o angustia, o persecución, o hambre, o desnudez, o peligro, o espada? 36 Tal como está escrito: Por causa tuya somos puestos a muerte todo el día; somos considerados como ovejas para el matadero. 37 Pero en todas estas cosas somos más que vencedores por medio de aquel que nos amó. 38 Porque estoy convencido de que ni la muerte, ni la vida, ni ángeles, ni principados, ni lo presente, ni lo por venir, ni los poderes, 39 ni lo alto, ni lo profundo, ni ninguna otra cosa creada nos podrá separar del amor de Dios que es en Cristo Jesús Señor nuestro.

Wood burn addict

Sorrowful Heart wood box 2012

One of a kind gifts are some of my favorite little projects to create! I used woodburn tool, colored pencils and I custom made acrylic tint on a 4x4x3 inch hinged box.

...in Frida's Garden!

Our Phoenix Fridas collective exhibition has come to and end. The exhibit was up at the Vision Gallery in Chandler until Friday the 3rd of August. Thank you Vision Gallery, thank you Fridas, all who put so much work into it and to all who supported!
 

I Paint My Own Reality: In Frida's Garden, an artwork installation by the Phoenix Fridas, 2012

Emily Costello, Diana Calderon, Anita Mabante Leach

Renewal



Renewal and the Sorrowful Heart, woodburn and colored pencils, 2012



Installation. I Paint My Reality: In Frida's Garden, Vision Gallery 2012



at work: mural

My students and I completed working on the 8 x 10 feet mural that I designed.  The mural is in memory of Bret R. Tarver and concists of about 320 tile and glaze. It will be installed at the B. Tarver elementary school. Thank you my supportive, loyal and hard working students and boss, Mr. Moreno.



 installed May, 2012

"Inspired Soles"

Inspired Soles Art Show & Auction to Benefit Artlink

...but this shoe will wear Frida,  2012, Diana Calderon

"FIRST FRIDAY DEBUT
The “Inspired Soles” stiletto art show will be unveiled during a one-night event and auction presented by the 6th Avenue Gallery. The gallery’s grand opening celebration in downtown Phoenix will be done in style, complete with food trucks, music, and just enough twinkle lighting to check out the undoubtedly inspired soles of those who attend this event. Bring your wallet because every stiletto featured in the “Inspired Soles” exhibition will be sold to the highest bidders. Proceeds will benefit Artlink Phoenix, a nonprofit organization dedicated to linking artists, business and the public to better understand, appreciate and promote a thriving arts community in central Phoenix.
WHEN/WHERE    
6th Avenue Gallery, 650 N. 6th Avenue (basement level) in downtown Phoenix, 85003

•    First Friday Debut, April 6, 2012

      – Public Showing – 6:30 to 10 p.m.

      – Silent Auction – 6:30 to 8 p.m.

•    Inspired Soles stiletto art show continues on the third Friday in April, and by appointment"

Roses for all...

Roses for Mary, Elisa, Abue, Mama, the unborn, the dead and the living.

Untitled, 2012
monoprint
14 x 16 inches

freedom. spiritual.

Freedom, 2011 
monoprint, 24 x 36 inches

receive

HOLY FIRE COME, 2012

monoprint

22 x 15 inches

painting with my students

This collaboration was created with my students, my youth. For instance, one student painted the sunset, another the angels, another the hair, another the field, another the farm laborors, another painted the shirt, and I painted the face. The painting has been exhibited in several places including ASU downtown, Glendale Civic Center, APS Corporate Office.
Acrylic on canvas, 3x4 feet.

"César Estrada Chávez (March 31, 1927 – April 23, 1993) was an American farm worker, labor leader, and civil rights activist who, with Dolores Huerta, co-founded the National Farm Workers Association, which later became the United Farm Workers (UFW). A Mexican American, Chávez became the best known Latino civil rights activist."