The West Side Show Exhibit

During the early twentieth century, the West Side of St. Paul was an important neighborhood for Mexican cultural and political mobilization. Later, during the 1960s and 70s, the West Side was a critical site for the Chicano Movement. Social movement leaders from across the nation visited the West Side, including Cesar Chavez and Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzalez. The United Farm Workers and Brown Berets organized in the neighborhood to empower la raza. Chica@/Latin@ artists produced murals, music, and teatro, which reflected the spirit of the times. Drawing from this legacy, The West Side Show, highlights the historical and cultural contributions West Siders have made to the Twin Cities, state, and ultimately the nation. 

The exhibition showcases intergenerational local community creatives. It seeks to impede cultural appropriation of Chicanx/Latinx/Indigenous cultural celebrations specifically, the appropriation of Cinco de Mayo. By centering neighborhood artists, this exhibition critiques gentrification by reclaiming barrio spaces and sharing the talents of the West Side. 

ARTISTS
Marina Castillo
Ricardo Grijalva
Marisa Martinez
Carlos Menchaca
Donna Peña 
Jesús Ramírez
Stephanie Rosario
Pedro Torres
Christian Ybarra


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