By Brent E. Beltrán
Every March 8 throughout the world women and their male allies come together to celebrate International Women’s Day. For the sixth straight year the dedicated, hard working people at Casa Familiar’s The Front will organize an art exhibition and night of culture to honor and celebrate the artistic contributions of females in the San Diego/Tijuana border region.
As a member of the Red CalacArts Collective I had the honor of playing a minor role in The Front’s first women’s celebration. Now, as a writer, I am equally honored to help spread the word about this beautiful, annual event. Recently, I had the privilege to communicate with Leticia Gomez Franco, The Front’s Gallery and Exhibitions Director. She broke down the reason why art spaces like The Front are necessary, why it is important to celebrate día de la mujer internacional, what the local San Ysidro reaction to The Front’s work is and what makes their event so successful. Here are her eloquent answers.
Why are art spaces like The Front necessary?
“San Ysidro is a very particular place, as it houses the port of entry that bridges San Diego and Tijuana, Mexico, making it a critical epicenter of one of the world’s largest international metropolises. As a border community, informed by distinct socio-cultural contexts of two nations, San Ysidro is a niche for a wide array of cultural expression that speaks from, and to, an increasingly global world. In recent years, the border community of San Ysidro/Tijuana has flourished as a true mecca of art and culture. Spaces like The Front serve as a cultural adhesive for a community that at times can seem to be bursting at the seams. A space that anchors the community’s viability through the arts. Nourishes our unique body of border art by supporting artist intervention and amplifying the neighborhood of San Ysidro as a site of cultural production; while reclaiming the community (and border region) as an artistic laboratory.”
Why is it important for us to celebrate dia de la mujer?
“Internationally it is important to celebrate dia de la mujer as the historic struggle for equality by women, in all shapes and forms. Locally, at The Front, Dia de la Mujer is a celebration in and of itself. On this day, for the past 6 years we come together as a community of women to celebrate our time off the back burner. The art exhibition allows women artists to create real representations of themselves, to counter the powerful stream of visual stimulation spat out by the media by the billions, oversaturating our world, with foreign, unrealistic versions of us. Dia de la Mujer fosters a safe space for women to be real women. To celebrate that realness, all of it, in all of its diverse beauty. A walk through the gallery will prove that not only do these representations don’t look like the women in the ads, they also don’t look like each other. Because women come in all shapes and sizes, in all conditions, with all kinds of dreams, and goals, and achievements, and fears. Our stories are as diverse as the strokes of paint in every piece. The Opening Reception, or Noche de Cultura, brings together hundreds of people, to bear witness to this affirmation. Women, mothers, daughters, as well as men, sons and partners, come to celebrate this night, to say thank you to the women who take time to make art and through it share their stories with the world.”
What is the reaction of the local residents to exhibits like this?
“The local residents began their 6 year relationship with Dia de la Mujer and our other exhibitions as spectators, coming by the gallery, wearily stepping in, not sure if this was something they were up for. It didn’t take long, for a shift to occur, as they stepped deeper into the gallery and found themselves in the art. Recognized their own stories, and their mothers and their daughters. Soon enough, they took ownership of the gallery, of the walls and the art on it. Today, we are proud to say that many local women participate as artists in the Dia de la Mujer exhibition. Women, who perhaps didn’t see themselves as artists when The Front first opened it’s doors 6 years ago, but who quickly felt a hunger to express themselves. Some of them became students in our Photography class, a collaborative program between Casa Familiar and the San Diego Museum of Photographic Arts (MoPA), and others decided to go the canvas and paints way, either way, we are honored to say that the stories of our neighbors, the stories of San Ysidro are reflected in our exhibitions.”
What makes your event so successful?
“The success of Dia de la Mujer comes from its humble but proud origins. The first Dia de la Mujer Celebration took place in March of 2008 and was titled Mujeres: Fuerte Como el Amor, Women: Bold as Love. It was organized collaboratively by Casa Familiar Arts Division at the time (Monica Hernandez & Leticia Gomez Franco), The Red CalacArts Collective, and El Circulo de Mujeres de Color, in response to a lack of art spaces and programming that nourished the work of women artists. The opening night was attended by over 600 people. It was a huge success, and the birth of something that would soon become a community highlight. This conception, a collaborative birthing process, remains at the core of what and who Dia de la Mujer is at The Front to this day. Now, a Juried Art Exhibition that counts on the participation of some of the most amazing art movers and shakers as jurors, whose selection process has propelled the exhibition to another level, and yet amazingly, the Dia de la Mujer programming has been able to retain the essence so vital to its conception and continued success: the need to establish a safe space for women to create art and representations of womanhood. We invite you to join us this year on March 8th, el Dia Internacional de la Mujer, to celebrate this journey with us. We hope you come away with the realization that Dia de la Mujer at The Front is so much more than a collection of artwork hung on the walls, Dia de la Mujer speaks to the creative power of mujeres not only to make art, but to create a space in which to thrive.”
Art of Body : Body of Art – 6th annual Día de la Mujer Exhibition takes place Friday March 8 from 5pm to 10pm at Casa Familar’s The Front in San Ysidro. The event is free and open to people (men included) of all ages. For more information contact Leticia Gomez Franco via phone (619) 428-1115, emailleticiag@casafamiliar.org or on Facebook www.facebook.com/thefront147.
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Here is my Las Monthly Ondas event list, in chronological order, of some of the happenings that are taking place in San Diego in March. By no means is it a complete list. These are events that I’ve personally chosen to highlight because they take place in Barrio Logan and surrounding communities or have some personal significance to me because of the issue or who is organizing them. Enjoy.
Say NO to Layoffs at the Hilton Mission Valley!
The workers at the Hilton Mission Valley need your help! Local 30 is calling for a huge action to help workers keep their jobs. Day and night, Hilton Mission Valley workers have been fighting for better wages, respect, and workplace justice. Now they are fighting just for their jobs! A new company, Tarsadia, is buying the hotel and has not guaranteed workers their jobs, some of whom have worked there for over 20 years. Join them to demand Tarsadian keep ll worker.
March 1 from 5pm–7pm
Hilton Mission Valley
901 Camino Del Rio S., Mission Valley
Exhibit Reception for Lowrider Legends of San Diego
Join the San Diego Automotive Museum on Friday, March 1st for the party of the year! There’s never been a party quite like this at the museum before, and everyone is excited to give it a whirl. There will be amazing authentic Mexican food available, music, beer & wine. You will meet the exhibitors and more lowriders! Radio DJ Xavier the X-Man will be signing his lowrider book.
March 1 from 6pm-9pm – $15 at the door
San Diego Automotive Museum
2080 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park
Soul Sessions Live at The Roots Factory featuring Adrian Younge presents Venice Dawn
LIVE @THE ROOTS FACTORY!!! “Soul Sessions” is a celebration of Soul Music & Vinyl Records.. This event will include live music, record vendors, free food, art & more!!!Adrian Younge is the next generation of soul music. A self-taught musician and recording engineer who has dedicated his life to the study of classic soul music, Younge finds himself at the center of a new soul renaissance with a vision for pushing the boundaries of the music itself. Special Guest DJ’s Marsellus Wallace, Profile and more.
March 2 @ 6pm – Free – All ages
The Roots Factory
1878 Main St. in Barrio Logan
Thats Not a Moon, Its an Art Show
I’m a big Chicano nerd so I’m plugging this Star Wars themed art exhibit. No cover. 21 and up. May la fuerza be with you!
March 5 from 7pm-12am
Bar Basic
410 10th Ave in Downtown
20th Anniversary Latino Film Festival
Join the San Diego Latino Film Festival for this historic celebration! As San Diego comes together to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the San Diego Latino Film Festival mix and mingle with celebrities, filmmakers, and civic and community leaders. Enjoy live music, great films, and a great time!
March 7, 2013 – March 17, 2013
Digiplex Mission Valley Cinemas at Hazard Center
7510 Hazard Center Dr. in Mission Valley
For more information visit: http://www.sdlatinofilm.com.
Art of Body : Body of Art – 6th Annual Dia de la Mujer Exhibition
Art reception from 5-7pm and noche de culture from 7-10pm. Featuring Bomba Liberte, DJ Ana Brown, Mariscos German and Mujeres Craft Market.
March 8 from 5pm-10pm – Free – All ages
The Front
147 W. San Ysidro Blvd in San Ysidro
Zumbathon
A charity event benefitting the Juan Carlos Organization and their dance therapy exercise program for the senior and special needs community.
March 9 from 1:30pm-3:30pm – $20
Centro Cultural de la Raza
2004 Park Blvd in Balboa Park
For more information: www.juancarlosorganization.org
Mujeres de Ayer, Hoy… y Siempre Opening Reception
Join the Centro Cultural de la Raza, Talento Hispano and the National Foundation of Independent Artists for the Third International Exhibition of “Mujeres de Ayer, Hoy… y Siempre/Women of Yesterday, Today… and Always.” This exhibit, running from March 9 to April 2, features established and emerging artists paying homage to International Women’s Day. The reception will feature Aztec dance, cultural speakers and a forum on domestic violence.
March 9 @ 7pm – Free
Centro Cultural de la Raza
2004 Park Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92101
For more information: www.centroculturaldelaraza.com
The Roots Factory presents Bocafloja
Bocafloja with Hache St & Cambio and Bang Data.
March 9 @ 6pm – Free – All ages
The Roots Factory
1878 Main St. in Barrio Logan
International Women’s Day Celebration 2013
It is recognized that the level of violence against women and the blatant disregard to their right to choose has come under attack by politicians seeking to divide the public along lines of gender, sexuality, reproductive rights and religious beliefs. Locally a group of women and men have come together to hold an event that not only celebrates the right to self-determination, but also gives them a space to express themselves artistically and in many other ways. This event will feature live performances, workshops, food, music and speakers. The proceeds of the event will go to the Saboteur’s Kitchen and the Centro Cultural de la Raza.
March 10 from 2pm-8pm
Centro Cultural de la Raza
2004 Park Blvd in Baloba Park
For more information: www.centroculturaldelaraza.com
GIFT – Women as Givers: Installation and Performance
A collaborative project by the Feminist Image Group.
Opening reception and performance from 5-7pm in the Art Gallery with a panel discussion at 7pm in room G101. The Feminist Image Group presents “Gift” as a part of Mesa College’s celebration of Women’s History Month. In this group exhibition FIG members will offer gifts to the public, exploring women’s and artists’ complex roles as givers in society. A panel discussion after the opening will more broadly approach women’s place as givers in various historical, cultural and political settings. Exhibit runs March 14 – April 18.
March 14 from 5pm–8pm – Free
Mesa College Gallery
7250 Mesa College Dr., Room D101 in Linda Vista
Sustainability Circle Mixer with Councilmember David Alvarez
Join Environmental Health Coalition for a happy hour celebration with Councilmember David Alvarez. This is your chance to network with San Diego’s environmental justice community. Complementary admission for all Environmental Health Coalition members and supporters and friends of Sustainability Circle members. Hosted heavy hors d’oeuvres. No host bar with happy hour specials.
March 15 from 5:30pm–7:30pm
Ryan Bros Coffee
1891 Main Street in Barrio Logan
13 MEXICANOS
“13 MEXICANOS” group art show reception featuring work by Serie, Tanke, Dasho, Mode, Shex, Dual, Teak, Shemo, Frank Romero, Arturo Vazquez, Lalo Vazquez, Val Bringas and Miguel Angel Iniguez. Music by Imiuswi Aborigine.
March 16 from 6pm–10pm – Free – All ages
The Spot Barrio Logan
1835 Main St. in Barrio Logan
For more information visit http://www.thespotbarriologan.
Sobreruedas en el Barrio: A Neighborhood Market
Casa de Vecinos Organizados and the Greater Logan Heights Community Partnership invite you to the Grand Opnening of Sobreruedas en el Barrio: A Neighborhood Market. Micro-businesses and community vendors have come together for this neighborhood market. Special guests include Mayor Bob Filner and District 8 Councilman David Alvarez.
March 17 from 10am-2pm.
30th St. and Imperial Ave. in Sherman Heights
Ovadialandia
A half & half art show featuring work by Jimmy Ovadia and Matthew Land.
March 30 @ 6pm
The Spot Barrio Logan
1835 Main St. in Barrio Logan
For more information visit http://www.thespotbarriologan.
Regular Barrio Logan Happenings:
San Diego Public Market
Buy organic fruits, vegetables and other goodies every Wednesday and Sunday from 9am-2pm at the San Diego Public Market, 1735 National Ave., Barrio Logan
Latin Jazz Jam
Check out one of San Diego’s finest musical treasures, Bill Caballero, as he hosts his weekly Latin jazz jam every Thursday from 7-10pm at Voz Alta Project, 1754 National Ave., Barrio Logan
If you want your event to be considered for a future Desde la Logan listing send an email with event info to desdelalogan@gmail.com.
Brent E. Beltrán
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really good article and information… muy bueno
i want to be there for dia de la mujer in san ysidro, march 8, and check out some of these other cool art shows…
thanks
Glad you liked my piece. Hope you enjoy some of these ondas!